Meta Blocks 550,000 Australian Accounts Under New Social Media Law

January 12, 2026 • Google News World

Meta Blocks Over 550,000 Social Media Accounts Under Australia’s New Law

In the first days since its implementation, Meta has blocked nearly 550,000 social media accounts in Australia under a new law aimed at regulating online content for users under the age of 16. The law requires social media platforms to remove or restrict access to content that is deemed to be harmful or inappropriate for minors.

According to reports, Meta took swift action to comply with the new regulations, removing or restricting access to accounts that failed to meet the required standards. The move has sparked debate among experts and users about the impact of the law on free speech and online freedom of expression.

The Australian government introduced the law in an effort to protect young people from online harassment, cyberbullying, and exposure to explicit content. Meta’s actions have been seen as a necessary step to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

The exact number of blocked accounts is not yet clear, but it is reported that nearly 550,000 accounts were affected by Meta’s action. The company has stated that it will continue to work with regulators and experts to ensure that its policies meet the required standards.

As the law continues to be implemented, users and experts are watching closely to see how it affects online content and free speech in Australia.

Source: Google News World