Meta Platforms Inc has deactivated 756,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts in Australia that were assessed as belonging to users under the age of 16.
The deactivations occurred between December 2025 and June 2026. Of these, 462,000 accounts were on Instagram and 294,000 were on Facebook.
Total Facebook and Instagram accounts deactivated in Australia identified as under 16.
Regulatory landscape in Australia
The social media ban for users under 16 came into force in Australia on December 10, 2025. According to a single report, Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide minimum age of 16 for social media accounts. The regulation covers 10 platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick.
The Australian government stated the law aims to reduce the negative impact of algorithms and harmful content on children and young people. Under current regulations, companies can face a fine of 49.5 million Australian dollars for failing to take reasonable steps to remove accounts of children under 16. The government is reportedly working on changes to increase this maximum penalty to 99 million Australian dollars.
Additionally, the government plans to grant the eSafety Commissioner, the nation's online safety regulator, additional powers to demand more information and documents from companies.
Enforcement and detection methods
To identify underage users, Meta uses artificial intelligence to analyze user profiles, posts, comments, biographies, and captions for indicators such as references to school grades or birthdays. The company has also implemented measures to prevent users whose accounts were removed from repeatedly creating new accounts.
Enforcement is ongoing, and these numbers will continue to grow.
Meta stated it is meeting its legal obligations and shares the goal of ensuring safe, age-appropriate online experiences for young people. The company also changed its Australian Apple App Store age rating for its platforms to 16+.
Global context and research
While Australia implements a minimum age of 16, France has introduced a nationwide ban for users under 15. Spain, Malaysia, and several other countries are also considering similar age restrictions.
Regarding the effectiveness of reach, research indicated that approximately 85% of children in the 12-15 age group continued to use social media after the ban. However, a 2025 Australian trial of age assurance technology found that products on the market could effectively support a ban.
