Meta has begun removing thousands of young users from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in Australia, a dramatic step ahead of a strict new law banning under-16s from social media platforms. This world-first policy is forcing a global conversation about the digital safety of children, a topic gaining significant traction in Kenya.

The Australian law, which takes full effect on December 10, is a landmark attempt to shield young people from online risks. It compels social media giants to take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage use or face staggering fines of up to AU$49.5 million (approx. KES 4.16 billion). The move impacts an estimated half a million young Australians and is seen as a critical test for regulating Big Tech.

A Precedent for Kenya?

While Australia's ban makes global headlines, Kenyan authorities are already moving to strengthen local safeguards. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has rolled out its own "Industry Guidelines for Child Online Protection and Safety." These rules mandate that all technology and broadcast companies in Kenya implement measures to protect minors from harms like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.

The Kenyan guidelines, which came into effect in late 2025, require firms to:

• Deploy effective age-verification mechanisms.
• Set high-privacy settings for children by default.
• Establish clear procedures for handling complaints.
• Adhere to the Data Protection Act, 2019, which classifies children's data as sensitive.

This reflects a growing consensus that protecting children online is a shared responsibility between platforms, parents, and regulators.

The Global Push for Age Verification

Australia is at the forefront of a global trend, with countries like the UK and France also tightening rules. However, the Australian approach is not without controversy. Critics have called the law "rushed" and questioned how effectively companies can verify age without infringing on privacy. Meta itself has expressed concerns, suggesting that age verification should happen at the app store level rather than on individual platforms.

In response to the law, Meta has started notifying affected users, allowing them to download their data before their accounts are restricted. A spokesperson for the company noted that access and content will be fully restored once a user turns 16. Other platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, are also implementing multi-layered approaches to comply with the deadline.

As Australia forges this new path, Kenyan parents and policymakers will be watching closely. The success or failure of this ambitious law could profoundly shape the future of how children interact with the digital world, not just Down Under, but right here at home.