Social media ban: Instagram and Facebook begin shutting down under-16 accounts in Australia as ban looms

Thu, 04 Dec 2025

Ban due to take effect next week, but Meta has started deactivating accounts already

• Australia social media ban explained: everything you need to know

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Facebook and Instagram began shutting down half a million accounts of users under 16 years old on Thursday as the deadline for Australia’s social media ban looms.

The under-16s social media ban is due to take effect from 10 December, but Meta alerted users last month that it would begin shutting down accounts from 4 December.

Do you know more? Email [email protected]