Instagram is set to start deactivating accounts of younger Australian teens as part of a nationwide ban that will prevent those under 16 from using major social media platforms.
Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, has begun notifying users it thinks are aged between 13 and 15 that their accounts will be disabled starting December 4.
This new law in Australia, which kicks in on December 10, also affects TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, and a bunch of other platforms.
Meta informed the BBC that young users are encouraged to update their contact information so they can be alerted when they are eligible to create a new account.
They will also have the chance to download and keep their posts, videos, and messages before their accounts get deactivated.
Australia’s internet regulator estimates that about 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users are in the 13-15 age range.
Meta mentioned that teens who think they meet the age criteria can contest the decision by sending in a “video selfie” for facial age assessment or by showing a government-issued ID like a driver’s license.
These verification methods were trialed earlier this year by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) as part of a review commissioned by the Australian state.
The new law imposes fines of up to A$50 million on social media companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to prevent minors from using their services.
Meta has stated that it would prefer that children under the age of sixteen obtain parental permission before downloading any apps.
In an interview with Australia’s Seven News, the company acknowledged that “teens are clever and might try to bypass age verification measures”, but they also stated their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities.
A gaming platform not included in the ban, would restrict children under 16 from chatting with strangers who are adults.
Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will start requiring age verification for accounts that use chat features in December, and the rest of the world will follow suit in January.
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