politics
Meta blocked nearly 550,000 accounts in first days of Australia’s under-16s social media ban

Meta blocked nearly 550,000 accounts in first days of Australia’s under-16s social media ban

11 Ocak 2026The Guardian

🤖AI Özeti

Meta has deactivated over 544,000 accounts believed to belong to users under 16 in response to Australia's new social media ban for teenagers. This action took place between December 4 and December 11, just a month after the ban was implemented. The tech giant stated that ensuring compliance will be an ongoing, multi-layered process. This move comes as the UK Labour faces pressure to consider a similar ban for minors.

💡AI Analizi

The swift action taken by Meta highlights the growing trend of social media platforms adapting to regulatory pressures aimed at protecting younger users. The significant number of account deactivations raises questions about the effectiveness of age verification processes and the responsibility of tech companies in safeguarding minors online. As other countries look to Australia’s example, the implications for user engagement and platform policies could be profound.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

Australia's under-16s social media ban aims to address concerns regarding the safety and mental health of teenagers on digital platforms. This legislative move has prompted discussions globally about the need for stricter regulations on social media usage among minors.

This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and may not reflect subsequent developments.