Meta has engaged influencers and funded advocacy organizations to combat legislative efforts restricting teen access to social media platforms, according to research by the Tech Transparency Project. The strategy accelerated following November 2024 when Australia became the first nation to ban users under 16 from social media apps. Meta organized events, including an Instagram-themed gathering in Sydney in July 2025, where it recruited parenting and lifestyle creators to promote existing safety features such as restricted teen accounts and parental controls. The company also sponsored posts from influencers and supported advocacy groups financially as part of its messaging campaign.
Multiple countries have since enacted or considered similar restrictions. Indonesia implemented a blanket teen ban in March 2026, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to do so. India has seen several states issue comparable bans while the national government explores broader regulations. Brazil introduced the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents in March 2026, which mandates strict age verification and parent-linked accounts for minors. Meta launched versions of its influencer campaign in each of these major markets.
The company’s approach reflects recognition that it cannot prevent these bans through direct advocacy alone, according to Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project. Meta’s influence has diminished following 2021 revelations by whistleblowers that the company was aware teens faced harmful content exposure. Meta introduced teen accounts with restrictions including message limitations and content filters, and has removed 756,000 accounts suspected of belonging to teens since Australia’s ban took effect.
Meta stated it works to protect teens and provide parents with effective controls, arguing that blanket bans push users toward unregulated platforms. The company emphasized it does not disclose individual partnership terms. Organizations receiving Meta funding, such as ReachOut Australia, stated they maintain independent editorial control and that Meta does not review their public statements.
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