Meta, the tech behemoth behind Instagram and Facebook, has announced plans to begin shutting down accounts belonging to users under 16, weeks in advance of an impending social media prohibition.

Starting today, Meta will alert Australian children aged 13 to 15 that they will no longer be able to access their accounts starting Thursday, December 4.

This move is part of Meta’s response to the Australian federal government’s ban, which officially takes effect on Wednesday, December 10. The company is advising young users to save their posts and messages as account closures commence.

It is important to note that the Meta platform Messenger will not be subject to this ban.

Alongside these notifications, Meta is also providing helpful guidance to its under-16 users on how to proceed.

Users are encouraged to download and preserve their posts and private communications before they are permanently deleted.

They should also update their contact details so Meta can contact them when they turn 16.

Meta says there is a “margin of error” in estimating the age of all Australian under-16 users and acknowledges there may be some older one mistakenly caught up in the ban.

The government-commissioned Age Assurance Technology Trial, found there would be “natural error margins” in accurately defining which users are under 16..

If someone over 16 believes they mistakenly come under the ban, they can challenge it by establishing their age using a video selfie or government ID through the facial age verification service Yoti.

Any users changing their age from under 16 to over 16 must verify their age.

Meta Australia managing director Will Easton said the ban was bringing “challenges”, but said the company was committed to keeping young people safe online.

”We share the government’s goal of creating safer, age-appropriate online experiences, however blanket bans bring their own set of challenges.

“We have invested in tools and protections to help keep young people safe online, and we will continue to advocate for solutions that balance safety, privacy, and the positive connections young Australians find on our platforms.”