Meta has begun informing users of its major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads about what to expect from Australia’s under-16 social media ban, demonstrating proactive communication ahead of the December 10 implementation. The notifications represent one approach to managing the transition as platforms prepare for sweeping changes to how young Australians access social media services.
YouTube will also begin removing underage users on the implementation date despite parent company Google’s extensive concerns about the legislation. Rachel Lord from Google’s policy division warned that the ban eliminates safety features including parental supervision tools, content restrictions, and wellbeing reminders that promote healthy usage patterns. The company argues the law was rushed and fundamentally misunderstands youth digital engagement.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has dismissed tech industry pushback with unusually direct criticism, calling YouTube’s warnings “outright weird” during her National Press Club address. Wells argued that platforms highlighting their own safety problems should focus on solving those issues rather than opposing protective legislation. She framed the ban as necessary intervention against companies that deliberately exploit teenage psychology through predatory algorithms designed to maximize engagement and profit.
ByteDance’s Lemon8 app demonstrates the broader regulatory pressure Australia’s approach has created. The Instagram-style platform announced voluntary over-16 restrictions from December 10 despite not being explicitly named in legislation. Lemon8 had experienced increased interest specifically because it avoided the initial ban, but eSafety Commissioner monitoring prompted proactive compliance rather than waiting for potential future inclusion.
The government has acknowledged implementation won’t be perfect immediately, with Wells conceding it may take days or weeks to fully materialize, but emphasized authorities remain committed to the goal. The eSafety Commissioner will collect compliance data beginning December 11 with monthly updates, while platforms face penalties up to 50 million dollars for failing to remove underage users. Meta’s proactive user notifications contrast with silence from platforms including Reddit, X, TikTok, and Kick which haven’t publicly confirmed compliance plans, highlighting varied industry approaches to managing the transition as Australia implements what may become a global model for youth digital protection despite ongoing debate about effectiveness and implementation challenges.
