Meta is preparing to block Australian users under the age of 16 from accessing Facebook and Instagram as the country’s strict new Children’s Online Privacy Act comes into force on December 10, 2025. In recent days, affected users have begun receiving notifications warning that their accounts will be shut down unless they can verify they meet the minimum age requirement.
The legislation forbids digital platforms from collecting, storing, or using the personal data of minors under 16 without verified parental approval. As a result, Meta says the only way to ensure compliance is to remove accounts belonging to users who cannot prove they are old enough to use the services.
According to internal guidance shared with users, the company will start deactivating flagged profiles before the law officially takes effect. Accounts that fail the verification process will be permanently deleted once the deadline passes. Meta acknowledged that its age-detection systems are not perfect and may incorrectly flag some users who are, in fact, over 16. Those impacted are encouraged to submit identification documents through Meta’s Help Center to avoid losing access.
The introduction of the law marks one of the toughest online safety regulations globally, placing heavy compliance burdens on social media companies operating in Australia. Industry analysts say Meta’s decision to remove accounts early reflects both the complexity of verifying millions of users and the high penalties tied to violations.
The policy shift represents a major change in how global platforms must handle youth data in Australia, and it could potentially influence future regulations in other countries watching the rollout closely.
