Meta removes 756,000 Australian teen accounts ahead of ban enforcement

• Meta deactivated 756,000 suspected underage accounts (462,000 from December to June, remainder afterward) using AI to analyze profiles for contextual clues like birthday celebrations and school grade mentions
• Despite the ban, independent studies show more than 8 in 10 Australian under-16s remained on social media in the first three months, prompting regulatory scrutiny
• Major platforms including Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat will testify at a parliamentary inquiry on Friday, as Australia doubles maximum fines to A$99 million ($69.75 million) and expands regulator powers

Summary: Meta Removes 756,000 Australian Teen Accounts Ahead of Ban Enforcement

Meta announced it has deactivated 756,000 accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under 16 since the country's social media ban for minors took effect on December 10. The company removed 462,000 accounts between December and June, making it the first major platform to release compliance data for this period.

Key Regulatory Developments:

The landmark Australian law, implemented over concerns about children's physical and mental health, faces enforcement challenges. Government and independent studies show over 80% of under-16s remained on social media during the ban's first three months. In response, Australia has doubled maximum non-compliance penalties to A$99 million ($69.75 million) and expanded the regulator's document discovery powers.

Market Implications:

Australia has accused platforms of intentionally undermining the ban's effectiveness. The country's internet regulator is considering tougher action against platforms, including Meta-owned properties, for insufficient compliance efforts. A parliamentary inquiry will hear evidence from Meta, TikTok, Google (YouTube), and Snap on Friday.

Technology and Enforcement:

Meta is deploying AI-powered tools to identify underage users, analyzing profiles for contextual clues like birthday celebrations and school grade references. The company has implemented photo-based age estimation software and removed the ability for users to repeatedly attempt account creation after deletion. A 2025 Australian trial confirmed available age-verification technology could effectively support the ban.

With other countries considering similar restrictions, Australia's approach serves as a global test case for social media age limits, positioning Meta and other platforms under intense regulatory scrutiny.