Australia's internet regulator says the teen social media ban will be the world's first domino to push for control of big tech, as Meta's Instagram, Facebook, and Threads begin locking hundreds of thousands of accounts before next week's deadline. Screenshots seen by the media showed that although the law went into effect on December 10, Meta's Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts have been suspended since Thursday. Most of the other affected platforms have begun reaching out to underage users, advising them to download photos and contacts, and offering the option to delete or freeze their accounts until they turn 16.

Australia's internet regulator says the teen social media ban will be the world's first domino to push for control of big tech, as Meta's Instagram, Facebook, and Threads begin locking hundreds of thousands of accounts before next week's deadline. Screenshots seen by the media showed that although the law went into effect on December 10, Meta's Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts have been suspended since Thursday. Most of the other affected platforms have begun reaching out to underage users, advising them to download photos and contacts, and offering the option to delete or freeze their accounts until they turn 16.