Age Restriction on Facebook Australia: What's New About Under-16 Ban?
In 2025, Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act officially enforces a minimum age of 16 for social media platforms. Facebook, as one of the most widely used platforms in the country, is required to comply by blocking access to users under 16.
The law targets platforms whose main purpose is social interaction, posting content, or connecting users online. As a result, younger Australian Facebook users will start receiving notifications urging them to verify their age. If users fail to comply or cannot verify, their access to Facebook’s main social features will be restricted.
Meta has also begun sending reminders to users aged 13–15, warning them to download their data, including photos, posts, and chats, before their accounts are temporarily disabled. The process is part of a wider effort to ensure compliance with Australia’s strict online safety standards.
These changes have significant implications for both users and marketers targeting Australian audiences. Any account that fails to verify may lose access to features such as posting, commenting, and interacting with other users.
What Under-16 Ban Impacts on the Facebook Ecosystem in Australia?
Many users assume the age restriction applies to all Facebook functions, but in reality, the law only regulates certain social features. Messenger and Marketplace are notable exceptions. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Facebook Feature | Impacted by Australia's 16+ Rule? | Explanation |
| Facebook Main Social Feed (posts, comments, likes, follows) | ✅ Yes | Open social interactions are restricted for users under 16. |
| Messenger (private messages) | ❌ No | Messaging is excluded from the age restriction. |
| Facebook Groups | ✅ Yes | Group interactions are considered public social activity. |
| Facebook Marketplace | ❌ No | Marketplace is classified as a commerce platform, not social networking. |
| Facebook Pages (viewing / managing) | Partially | Viewing pages is allowed; creating/managing pages is considered social activity. |
| Facebook Dating | ✅ Yes | High-risk social interactions are strictly age-restricted. |
| Instagram & Threads (Meta ecosystem) | ✅ Yes | Both are subject to the same 16+ minimum age rules. |
Key takeaway: Only Facebook’s core social functions are restricted. Users under 16 will lose access to posting, commenting, following, and interacting publicly. However, they can still use Messenger for private communication and Marketplace for buying and selling items.
This distinction is particularly important for Australian teens who rely on Messenger to stay in touch with friends. Marketers and businesses should also be aware that campaigns targeting younger audiences may see a reduction in reach due to these age-based restrictions.
How to Get Age Verified on Facebook Australia?
If you’re an Australian Facebook user aged 16 or older (or need to prove your age), here’s how to complete the verification process:
Step 1: Check for Age Verification Prompt
When logging into Facebook, users under 16 (or flagged accounts) will receive a prompt asking to verify age. You may also get notifications via email or in-app messages.
Step 2: Prepare Acceptable ID
Meta accepts government-issued IDs such as:
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Passport
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Driver’s license
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National identity card
Ensure your ID is valid, readable, and matches your profile name.
Step 3: Upload ID or Complete Video Selfie Verification
In some cases, Facebook may ask for a video selfie to confirm your age. This uses AI to compare your face with your ID and verify your date of birth.
Step 4: Submit and Wait for Confirmation
Once your documents are submitted, verification typically takes a few hours to a few days. During this period, your main social features may remain temporarily limited.
Step 5: Appeal if Verification Fails
If the verification fails, Facebook provides options to submit documents again or contact support for review.
Tip: If you are temporarily outside Australia and encounter verification issues due to your IP being outside the country, a secure VPN like UFO VPN can help ensure the system recognizes your location as Australia, avoiding unnecessary verification errors.
Facebook Age Verification Fails? Reasons & Solutions
Even with correct documents, age verification can sometimes fail. Common reasons include:
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ID is unclear or expired – Always ensure your ID is valid and readable.
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Profile name mismatch – The name on Facebook must match your ID exactly.
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Region mismatch – Being outside Australia may trigger verification issues; using a VPN in some cases helps temporarily resolve location conflicts.
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AI selfie recognition fails – Poor lighting, camera issues, or facial obstructions can cause a failed attempt.
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Multiple submissions or system errors – Repeating submissions too quickly may trigger temporary restrictions.
Solutions:
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Double-check your ID for clarity and accuracy.
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Ensure your Facebook profile name matches your ID.
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Retry video selfie in good lighting.
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Use Facebook’s support channels if repeated failures occur.
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Consider temporarily using an Australian IP if abroad (VPN can assist in specific, safe scenarios).
Safety Tips for Verifying Age on Facebook Australia
Verifying your age involves sensitive personal data, so it’s important to stay safe:
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Only submit documents through official Facebook channels; avoid third-party verification services.
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Do not share ID photos in public or on messaging platforms.
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Use secure internet connections when uploading documents.
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Keep VPN usage safe and trusted if you need to ensure location consistency.
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Monitor account notifications regularly for any follow-up requests or updates.
Following these tips ensures your age verification process is safe and compliant with Australian regulations.
FAQs
Why is Facebook asking for age verification in Australia?
Australia has implemented a 16+ minimum age law for social media platforms. Facebook must verify age to comply with this regulation.
Does Messenger require age verification?
No. Messenger is a private messaging service and is explicitly exempt from the age restriction.
What happens if my account fails verification?
Main social features like posting and commenting will be restricted until verification succeeds. Users can retry submission or contact Facebook support.
Can I still use Facebook Marketplace if I’m under 16?
Yes. Marketplace is considered a commerce platform, not a social networking feature, so it is not impacted by the 16+ age rule.
Conclusion
Australia’s 16+ age restriction affects Facebook’s social features, including the main feed, groups, pages, and high-risk interactions like dating, while Messenger and Marketplace remain accessible. Completing age verification is essential to retain access. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, address verification failures carefully, and prioritize safety when submitting documents or verifying your account.
