Meta Platforms(US:META) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-13 04:19Core Viewpoint - The Australian government has implemented a ban on social media accounts for individuals under 16 years old to protect minors from harmful content, but the effectiveness of this ban is being questioned by social media companies like Meta [1][2]. Group 1: Government Regulations - The ban includes major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube, with penalties of up to 49.5 million AUD (approximately 33.19 million USD) for non-compliance [1]. - Meta has removed approximately 550,000 accounts, including 330,000 from Instagram and 173,000 from Facebook, in response to the ban [1]. Group 2: Industry Response - Meta argues that the premise of the law is flawed, as users can still access platforms without logging in, which allows for algorithmic recommendations, albeit less personalized [2]. - The company calls for constructive dialogue with the Australian government to create age-appropriate online experiences rather than a blanket ban [2]. Group 3: Impact on Minors - The ban has led to varied responses among teenagers; some report reduced screen time, while others have found ways to circumvent the restrictions by falsifying their ages [3]. - Reports indicate that some minors are migrating to lesser-known social media platforms to fulfill their social needs, reflecting a compensatory behavior in response to the ban [3].