Meta says it has blocked more than 544,000 under-16 accounts in Australia in the first week of a new law banning teenagers from social media, but warns that the policy may backfire.

Meta pushes back against Australia’s under-16 social media ban after blocking 544,000 users

Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression. “We will fight this action every step of the way. It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now,” he said.

Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?

The significant move, which has been condemned by teenagers, will make Australia one of the first countries to pass a nationwide law to ban social media for those under the age of 16. Here’s what you need to know about the ban:

Australia teen social media ban kicks in from Dec 10 – What’s allowed, what’s not?

In a global first, Australia’s under-16 social media ban takes effect

Meta removes account of 500,000 teens ahead of social media ban in Australia starting from December 10

Australia will ban anyone under 16 from using major social media platforms starting Dec 10, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. YouTube says the law will make kids less safe. WION explains: the law, YouTube's concerns and more.

Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how

'We will not be intimidated by threats': Australia's social media ban sparks constitutional fight from teenagers

Ready to 'engage' with Musk: Australian PM on social media teen ban

Australia has enacted a nationwide ban on social media for those under 16, aimed at protecting young people's mental health. Watch in for more details!

Australia Passes Social Media Ban For Children Under 16