Meta urges Australia to rethink under-16 social media ban after blocking over 500,000 accounts

January 12, 2026

TL;DR

Meta is appealing to the Australian government to reconsider the recently implemented ban on social media access for individuals under 16.
The ban, which took effect on December 11th, affects 10 major social media services, including Meta's platforms.
In the week preceding the ban, Meta removed approximately 550,000 accounts identified as belonging to under-16s.
Meta advocates for constructive engagement with the industry to develop comprehensive safety and privacy measures rather than implementing blanket bans.
The company suggests age verification tools, such as Age Keys, and parental approval at the app store level as more effective solutions.
Teens are reportedly circumventing the ban by using alternative platforms, VPNs, or parents' accounts.
Reddit has also initiated legal action against the ban, deeming it ineffective and restrictive of political discussion.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ban aims to empower parents and protect children from harmful content.
Concerns about the mental health impact of social media on teens have led to similar movements and discussions globally.
Some Australian teens report feeling more isolated since the ban, while others have found workarounds.

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