Australia has launched an investigation into major social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat over alleged non-compliance with its nationwide ban on users under the age of 16, accusing big tech companies of failing to properly enforce the law.
The ban, introduced in December, was designed to restrict minors’ access to widely used social media platforms, with authorities citing concerns over harmful online content and “predatory algorithms” exposing young users to violence and sexual material. Despite the legislation being in force for several months, regulators say a significant number of underage users are still active on these platforms.
Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the issue does not lie with the law itself, but with technology companies failing to meet their obligations. She emphasized that firms operating in Australia must comply with national regulations and warned that the government would not tolerate non-compliance from global tech giants.
Australia’s eSafety Commission has also raised concerns regarding enforcement, noting that platforms have not sufficiently prevented under-16 users from maintaining accounts. The regulator indicated that more than five million underage accounts have already been removed since the law came into effect, yet gaps in verification and enforcement remain.
Under the legislation, companies are required to take “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages, though the exact standards for compliance have not been fully defined. Platforms may face penalties of up to $33.9 million if found in violation of the rules, with final decisions on enforcement expected by mid-2026.
In response, companies such as Meta acknowledged challenges in accurately verifying user age, while Snapchat said it is implementing measures to comply with the law. TikTok declined to comment, and YouTube did not respond to inquiries. Some platforms have indicated they may use artificial intelligence tools or government-issued identification to verify users’ ages.
Meanwhile, Reddit has filed a legal challenge against the ban, arguing that the policy raises privacy concerns due to the collection of sensitive user data required for age verification. The case is yet to be heard in Australia’s High Court.
The Australian policy has attracted international attention, with several countries reportedly considering similar regulatory approaches aimed at strengthening protections for children online while balancing concerns over privacy and digital access.