Meta Accelerates Underage Account Deactivation in Australia

Proactive Compliance with New Regulations

Meta has announced that it will begin deactivating Instagram and Facebook accounts belonging to Australian users under the age of 16 starting December 4, 2024. This move comes in anticipation of new legislation that will officially prohibit social media access for minors under 16, effective December 10, 2024 ¹

Key Features of the Account Deactivation Process

• Users under 16 will receive notifications to save their data before account access is terminated
• The deactivation process represents an acceleration of Meta's original plan to comply with the new law
• The decision demonstrates Meta's efforts to comply with emerging regulations in various jurisdictions

Implications for Users and Stakeholders

The proactive deactivation highlights the growing regulatory pressure on social media platforms to protect minors. Meta's decision to accelerate compliance shows its commitment to adapting to changing legal landscapes while maintaining user data protection.