What millions of young Aussies need to do NOW before major social media change comes into effect
The countdown is on for young Aussies soon to be kicked off social media after warning messages appeared on Meta platforms.From December 10, Australians under 16 will be banned from using social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Snapchat.On Thursday, impacted Facebook, Threads and Instagram users began receiving warning messages flagging that their profile will soon be blocked.From December 4, Meta will start removing access to its platforms and block the creation of new accounts for those underage.'Due to laws in Australia, people under 16 will no longer be able to use social media,' a screenshot of the Facebook warning read. 'This means that soon, you won't be able to use Facebook, and you profile won't be visible to you or others.'When you turn 16, your profile and all your posts and activity will be available again.'Impacted teens are urged to download their memories and update their contact information so Meta can get in touch and help them regain access to their accounts once they turn 16. Australians under 16 will be banned from using social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Snapchat from December 10 (stock image)Under-16s will be contacted by phone or email if their profile will be shut down.They will still be able to use the Facebook Messenger app after the ban comes into effect.It is understood that Meta is planning to remove at least 350,000 users from Instagram and 150,000 from Facebook in December. 'For all our users aged 15 and under, we understand the importance of the treasured memories, connections, and content within your accounts,' Meta regional policy director Mia Garlick said in a statement.'Look out for our official notifications and follow the instructions to safely preserve and download your digital history across Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.'When you turn 16 and can access our apps again all your content will be available exactly as you left it.'Those aged over-16 who mistakenly lose access after the restrictions come into effect can use video selfie or government ID on third-party app Yoti to verify their age.The ban is part of the Albanese government's amended Online Safety Act to protect children from harmful content online. Facebook and Instagram users have received warning messages about the social media banOther social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick, will also see accounts for those under 16 deactivated or deleted. However, critics say the exemptions for gaming and messaging apps leave serious gaps in protection and raise questions about what qualifies as 'social media'.'This new law will unfortunately restrict teens from these benefits, and will result in inconsistent protections across the many apps they use,' Meta said.'For example, on some platforms, teens can access social media sites without an account and without the safeguards provided to registered users.'The company has also shared its concerns about how a 'blanket ban' for Australians under the age of 16 can effectively be enforced.'Compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process,' Meta's vice president and global head of safety Antigone Davis said.'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. 'We believe a better approach is required: a standard, more accurate, and privacy-preserving system, such as OS or app store-level age verification.'The eSafety Commissioner does not have the authority to formally designate platforms as age-restricted but it can make recommendations and ask platforms to self-assess according to legislated criteria.
