Meta Blocks 550,000 Accounts Under Australia’s Social Media Ban

Meta has blocked around 550,000 social media accounts in the first days of Australia’s new social media ban for children. The action follows a new law aimed at keeping young users safe from online harm.

The law, which came into force in December, requires major platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to stop Australians under the age of 16 from having accounts. Australia is one of the first countries to take such a strong step, and the move is being closely watched worldwide.

The government and child safety groups say the ban is needed to protect children from harmful content, risky algorithms, and online abuse. They believe social media can negatively affect young users if not properly controlled.

Meta said it supports the goal of keeping children safe online and agrees that more action is needed. However, the company has also said that other safety measures should be considered, a view shared by some experts.

The debate over how to protect children online is expected to continue, but Australia’s decision marks a major change in global social media rules.