Tech giant Meta has announced that it will begin closing Instagram and Facebook accounts for users under 16, weeks ahead of a nationwide social media ban.

Starting today, Australian users aged 13 to 15 will receive notifications informing them that their accounts will be inaccessible starting Thursday, December 4.

Meta has advised these users to save their posts and messages, as account access will be restricted in preparation for the federal government’s ban, which takes effect on Wednesday, December 10.

The ban does not extend to Meta’s Messenger platform, which will continue to operate as usual.

Along with these notifications, Meta is providing guidance to its under-16 users on what steps they can take moving forward.

They’re advised to download and save their posts and private messages before they are 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.”