Meta has started notifying Australian teens that they will lose access to their accounts ahead of the youth social media ban in December. Facebook, Instagram, and Threads are among the platforms children under the age of 16 can no longer use once the ban takes effect.
In-app notifications, emails and messages sent to Meta users aged between 13-15 detail information about how they can download their content before Meta starts blocking access on 4 December.
Aiming to remove access to all underage accounts by 10 December, Meta executives suggested their alternative to the Australian government’s methods, referencing the age assurance technology trial findings published earlier in the year.
“Though we are committed to compliance, we must also acknowledge the findings of the Age Assurance Technology Trial, which recognises the particular challenges of age assurance at the novel 16 age boundary,” said Antigone Davis, vice president and global head of safety at Meta. “We believe a better approach is required: a standard, more accurate, and privacy-preserving system, such as OS/app store-level age verification.”
The trial in question conceded there was a “margin of error” when using age estimation technology. Instead of relying solely on official identification documents, age estimation uses a range of factors to infer a user’s age. Roblox, which is not currently included in the social media ban, recently confirmed that it would use age estimation to ensure users could only chat with others within the same age groups.
What will happen to Meta users under the age of 16?
Impacted users can choose to delete their accounts or regain access once they turn 16. As part of Meta’s outreach, it’s giving users the chance to update their contact details if they wish to return.
“For all our users aged 15 and under, we understand the importance of the treasured memories, connections, and content within your accounts,” said Mia Garlick, regional policy director at Meta. “When you turn 16 and can access our apps again all your content will be available exactly as you left it.”
Messenger and WhatsApp, both of which are Meta apps, are not covered by the social media ban, so younger users will retain access beyond December. However, the Australian eSafety Commissioner didn’t rule out changes to the banned platforms.
“We will continue to take a whole of ecosystem approach, but we want to reinforce that just because a service is excluded, it does not mean it is absolutely safe,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a previous statement.
