London, November 20, 2025
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has announced it will begin closing accounts of Australian users under the age of 18 in preparation for a government-mandated social media ban taking effect on December 10, 2025, which restricts access for individuals under 16 years old to major social media platforms aimed at protecting youth online.
Government Ban on Underage Social Media Access
The Australian government is set to enforce legislation that prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing leading social media services. This regulatory move seeks to mitigate risks associated with mental health issues and enhance the online safety of younger teenagers.
Meta’s Enforcement Actions
To comply, Meta has declared it will proactively deactivate Instagram accounts belonging to Australian users under 18 years old ahead of the December rollout. This pre-emptive measure is intended to align platform operations with the new legal framework and avoid violations once the law is in effect.
Rationale Behind the Policy
The ban responds to growing concerns about social media’s impact on adolescent well-being. Policymakers highlight the vulnerability of minors to issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the psychological effects stemming from extended social media use. The restriction aims to establish a safer digital environment for young Australians.
Scope and Broader Trends
Millions of Australian teenagers are directly affected by this restriction, marking a significant shift in digital access for youth in the country. This legislative step reflects a wider international trend where governments are increasingly holding social media companies accountable for curbing harms to minors and enforcing age-based restrictions.
Meta’s move to close accounts in advance of the ban underscores the growing pressure on technology firms to proactively enforce compliance with age-related regulations. It also raises questions about the identification and verification processes for users’ ages across digital platforms.
As global attention intensifies on the responsibilities of social media providers, this development may signal further regulatory actions in other jurisdictions aiming to address similar concerns over youth safety and mental health in the digital age.