Tuesday, January 13, 2026- Australia’s bold new social media law is already reshaping the digital landscape. Meta has blocked nearly 550,000 accounts across its platforms after the ban on under-16 users came into force.
In the first week alone, the company deactivated approximately 330,000 Instagram accounts, 173,000 Facebook profiles, and nearly 40,000 Threads accounts believed to belong to minors. The law requires major platforms to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts or face penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million, signaling strict enforcement from day one.
The urgency behind the policy is clear: Australian authorities are prioritizing child safety in an algorithm-driven online environment. Meta’s response highlights a major operational shift for social platforms, which must now rely on aggressive age-detection and account removal systems.
At the same time, the company has raised concerns about accuracy and effectiveness, warning that strict bans may push teens toward unregulated platforms or technical workarounds. Early indicators suggest rising attempts to bypass restrictions, exposing the complexity of digital enforcement at scale.
The impact is already being felt nationwide. Families are adapting to reduced social media access for younger teens, while schools and policymakers reassess how online engagement fits into youth development. Industry analysts say this move could set a global precedent, with other countries closely watching Australia’s approach.
As platforms adjust and regulators tighten oversight, the debate is shifting from whether limits are needed to how far governments should go in reshaping the social media experience for the next generation.
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