# Meta removes 756,000 under-16 accounts in Australia after ban

2026-08-13T07:14:03+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Meta said on Thursday it had taken down more than 756,000 Instagram and Facebook accounts suspected to belong to Australians under 16, since the world-first social media ban took effect in December. The company deactivated 462,000 Instagram accounts and 294,000 Facebook accounts between December and June, using AI to detect clues like birthday posts or school mentions. The Australian government passed the law citing concerns over children's mental and physical health. But government figures and independent studies show over 80% of under-16s still used social media in the ban's first three months, leading regulators to consider tougher penalties of up to A$99 million. Meta, TikTok, Google and Snapchat are set to face a parliamentary inquiry on Friday.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/australia-cracks-down-on-big-tech-meta-removes-nearly-8-lakh-teen-accounts-after-social-media-ban-article-155604887>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/meta-says-it-has-taken-down-756000-australian-teen-accounts-as-ban-enforcement-looms/article71340332.ece>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/meta-says-it-removed-over-750-000-instagram-and-facebook-accounts-to-comply-with-australias-social-media-ban-11786608901721.html>

Tags: age restriction, AI enforcement, Australia, Meta, social media ban, teen accounts
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