Meta denies 'shredding evidence' as Australia bans social media for under-16s
The tech giant faces scrutiny from bereaved families as Australia implements landmark laws to restrict minor access to social platforms.
Meta has explicitly denied accusations that it destroyed evidence related to the safety of its platforms for minors. The denial comes as the Australian government moves forward with landmark legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media.
During a Senate inquiry, Meta's regional director of policy, Mia Garlick, responded with an "absolutely not" when asked if the company had "shredded" or destroyed evidence in the context of ongoing legal challenges and safety probes. This specific denial follows testimony from bereaved mothers, including Mia Bannister and Emma Mason, who urged the Australian government to strengthen social media laws to protect children from platform-driven harms. The tension between the company and advocates has intensified as families claim platforms have prioritized profit over the well-being of underage users.
The Legislative Shift
Australia has passed legislation requiring social media networks to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from accessing accounts. This move is part of a broader government effort to address a growing mental health crisis among youth, with officials citing the harmful influence of platform algorithms. The law places the burden of enforcement on the companies, marking a significant shift from relying on parental supervision to mandating corporate accountability.
Industry Implications
This conflict underscores a deepening divide between the safety protocols claimed by tech giants and the lived experiences of families who have lost children to suicide or mental health struggles. By codifying these restrictions into law, Australia is testing whether legislative mandates can force platforms to alter their fundamental design and data retention practices. If successful, the Australian model could serve as a global blueprint for other nations seeking to hold social media companies legally responsible for the psychological impact of their products on minors.
What Remains
While Meta maintains that it takes the new ban seriously, the company continues to fight accusations regarding its transparency and handling of internal safety data. Observers are now watching how the Australian government will define and enforce "reasonable steps" for age verification. It remains to be seen whether the legislation will lead to a genuine reduction in youth social media use or if it will trigger a wave of legal battles over privacy and the technical feasibility of age-gating.