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Meta Shuts Down 544,000 Under-16 Accounts in Australia

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Meta has deactivated over 544,000 accounts for users under 16 in Australia after a new social media ban, including 330,639 on Instagram, 173,497 on Facebook, and 39,916 on Threads.
The ban is effective from December 4, 2025, and the opposition claims many accounts remain active.
Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative leader, supports a similar ban, and the UK government monitors Australia’s approach as it considers its own policies for minors.

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Story summary

Meta has deactivated over 544,000 accounts for users under 16 in Australia after a new social media ban, including 330,639 on Instagram, 173,497 on Facebook, and 39,916 on Threads.
The ban is effective from December 4, 2025, and the opposition claims many accounts remain active.
Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative leader, supports a similar ban, and the UK government monitors Australia’s approach as it considers its own policies for minors.