Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban

Meta announced on Thursday that it will begin removing under-16 users in Australia from Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, ahead of the country’s pioneering youth social media ban. Australia’s law, which also affects TikTok and YouTube, comes into effect on December 10 and requires platforms to block underage users or face fines of AUS$49.5 million (US$32 million) for failing to take “reasonable steps” to comply.

A Meta spokesperson said the company is working to remove all users believed to be under 16 by the deadline. Young users will be able to download and save their online histories, and upon turning 16, regain access with their content fully restored.

The law is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of Australian adolescents, with Instagram alone reporting roughly 350,000 users aged 13 to 15. Platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are currently exempt, though the exemption list is under review.

READ ALSO:

• Five Rivers State University Students Rescued from Kidnappers in Emohua
• Ember-months safety: Carloha, FRSC intensify campaign against distracted driving
• NPA Chairman Adeyeye Alleges Opposition Behind Nigeria’s Insecurity, Backs Tinubu Measures

While committing to compliance, Meta urged app stores to take responsibility for age verification and parental approval at download, arguing this would reduce repeated verification across multiple apps and ensure teens remain in age-appropriate experiences.

YouTube has criticized the law, claiming it could make under-16s less safe by removing safety filters if they access the site without an account. Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed this as “weird,” noting that the law aims to protect teens from harmful algorithm-driven content that can negatively affect self-esteem.

The law has faced legal challenges. The Digital Freedom Project has launched a High Court case, arguing the ban infringes on freedom of speech. Authorities also anticipate attempts by teens to bypass the restrictions using fake IDs or AI tools.

Australia’s ban is drawing global attention as other countries consider similar measures. Malaysia plans to block children under 16 from social media next year, while New Zealand is preparing to introduce a similar law.

Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban

Putin Warns Europe: Russia Ready to Fight as Peace Talks Over Ukraine Continue

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to Europe, declaring that demands for an end to the war in Ukraine on terms favorable to Kyiv are “not acceptable.” Speaking in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin insisted that while Russia does not seek conflict with Europe, it is ready to fight if challenged.

Putin accused European nations of withdrawing from the peace process and lacking a genuine diplomatic agenda, claiming that European actions are hindering U.S.-led negotiations aimed at resolving the war.
“We are not going to fight with Europe, but if Europe wants to fight with us, we are ready right now,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Otti Holds High-Level Talks with Tinubu Over IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu
• Community Raises Alarm Over Fatal Accidents on Odejayi–Aromonlaran Road, Calls for Urgent Safety Measures
• Lagos to Phase Out Korope Buses as Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme Kicks Off December 8

The remarks came ahead of a scheduled meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss an amended peace plan for Ukraine, following criticism that the original 28-point draft was overly favorable to Russia. Sources indicate that the updated proposals focus on territorial disputes, security guarantees, and financial matters, including the use of frozen Russian assets, though full details have not been disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the peace plan as a potential avenue to end the war but stressed that territorial issues and financial guarantees must be resolved, alongside robust security assurances to prevent further Russian aggression.

Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with Pokrovsk witnessing clashes despite Russian claims of control. Zelenskyy is currently in Ireland, meeting with President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who announced €125 million in aid for Ukraine, including non-lethal military support and energy assistance, reaffirming solidarity as the conflict enters a critical phase.

Meanwhile, the U.S. delegation in Russia, including Witkoff and Jared Kushner, toured Moscow ahead of the talks. The Kremlin has indicated that discussions will continue “as long as it takes” to achieve progress, underscoring the high stakes of ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations.

This development highlights escalating tensions between Russia and Europe while international stakeholders push for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war.

Putin Warns Europe: Russia Ready to Fight as Peace Talks Over Ukraine Continue

US Navy Conducts Second Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat

The White House has confirmed that a top US Navy commander, Admiral Frank Bradley, authorised a second military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, following reports that two people survived an initial attack. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that Bradley acted “within his authority and the law,” and clarified that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not order a “kill everyone” directive, contrary to media claims.

The second strike reportedly occurred after survivors clung to the burning vessel, prompting renewed concerns over the legality of US military operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. Over 80 people have been killed in these operations since early September, part of a broader US anti-narcotics mission in the Caribbean.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for congressional reviews. The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by Senator Roger Wicker, said it will seek testimony from the admiral in charge, as well as audio and video evidence, to determine the exact nature of the orders. The House Armed Services Committee has also pledged a bipartisan investigation into the operation.

READ ALSO:

• Niger School Abductions: Ribadu Promises Swift Rescue, Cites US, UK, France Support
• Abbas Rejects SERAP Claim Linking Him to ₦18.6bn NASC Project Mismanagement
• Diaspora Nigerians Demand Urgent Reform of NIN, Passport Processing Systems

Experts have questioned whether the second strike could be considered legal under international law, highlighting protections for shipwrecked sailors or incapacitated combatants under the Geneva Conventions. The Trump administration maintains the operations are part of a non-international armed conflict against narco-terrorist groups, which it claims are subject to lethal targeting.

The strikes have further escalated tensions with Venezuela, with President Nicolás Maduro and the National Assembly condemning the attacks and pledging an investigation. US officials have accused Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, an organisation allegedly involved in drug trafficking and terrorism, allegations Maduro denies.

In recent weeks, Trump has also discussed the potential deployment of US ground forces to Venezuela and reportedly pressured Maduro to resign during a phone call, offering him a safe departure under certain conditions, which were rejected. The escalating crisis has raised international concerns over the use of lethal force and the potential violation of humanitarian law in anti-drug operations.

US Navy Conducts Second Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat

BBC