Sydney, 12 January (H.S.): In a landmark enforcement of Australia's world-first legislation prohibiting social media access for those under 16, Meta Platforms Inc. disclosed on January 11 that it had suspended approximately 550,000 accounts across its platforms during the initial compliance period.

The measure, effective from December 10, 2025, mandates major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads to implement robust age verification protocols, with non-compliance risking fines up to AUD 49.5 million (about USD 32 million) for systemic breaches.

Enforcement Breakdown and Platform Impact

Meta detailed the suspensions in a January 11 blog post: 330,639 accounts on Instagram, 173,497 on Facebook, and 39,916 on Threads, primarily targeting profiles suspected to belong to Australian minors under 16.

This swift action underscores the platforms' proactive stance amid monthly reporting requirements to the eSafety Commissioner, who began issuing notices on December 11, 2025, to monitor terminations and detect violations.

Platforms like TikTok and YouTube face similar obligations, with early estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands more deactivations nationwide.

Industry Pushback and Proposed Alternatives

While acknowledging the need for enhanced child safety, Meta urged the Australian government to pivot toward collaborative solutions, such as app-store-level age verification and incentives for privacy-preserving, age-appropriate designs, rather than blanket bans.

The company argued that industry-wide standards would prevent users from migrating to unregulated apps, averting a whack-a-mole enforcement challenge.

No parental consent exemptions are permitted under the law, distinguishing Australia's policy as the strictest globally.

Expert Concerns Over Circumvention and Equity

Critics, including University of Melbourne researchers and Oxford's Professor Andrew Przybylski, warn that the ban is prone to evasion via VPNs, cheap disguises like $22 old man masks fooling facial recognition, or AI tools, rendering it doomed to fail without addressing core online risks.

Mental health advocates and youth from LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or rural communities contend it severs vital connections, potentially isolating vulnerable groups and stunting digital literacy.

A government poll indicated one-third of parents might aid circumvention.

Broader Global and Domestic Repercussions

The policy enjoys widespread parental support and has inspired international emulation, with the UK's Conservatives pledging a similar under-16 ban if victorious before 2029, and regions like Florida and the EU exploring restrictions.

One month in, some Australian families report reduced screen time and heightened offline engagement, though teens voice frustration over lost global connectivity.

As Victoria grapples with bushfires on January 11, the ban's long-term efficacy remains under vigilant review.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar