Meta has started enforcing Australia’s new social media ban for users under 16, which begins December 4. Instagram users under 16 receive a notification saying, “Due to laws in Australia, soon you won’t be able to use social media until you’ve turned 16.” Their accounts will be hidden until then. Users get two choices: download their account data or verify their age by submitting a video selfie. This selfie requires moving the head side to side to confirm age quickly. Verification usually takes 1 to 2 minutes but can take up to 48 hours. If verification succeeds, the account stays active. In tests, an adult passed this check easily. But when a 13-year-old tried to change their birth date to appear older, the app said, “we couldn’t confirm your age” and asked for government ID. Meta uses facial age estimation powered by Yoti and deletes images immediately after verification. Data shows people over 21 pass easily, while those around 16 and some minority groups face more errors. Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells said, “We know this law will not be perfect, but it is too important not to have a crack.” The ban affects Meta platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and other social media including TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and YouTube.