SYDNEY: Australia will significantly increase financial penalties on social media companies that fail to comply with its under-16 social media restrictions, the government announced on Saturday, as authorities intensify enforcement of what it describes as a world-leading online safety measure.
Under new legislation, the maximum fine for systemic breaches will rise to Aus$99 million (about $68 million), while the national eSafety regulator will be granted expanded powers to investigate and enforce compliance across major platforms.
The Australian government said the eSafety Commission is currently investigating possible non-compliance by platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said technology companies were not doing enough to comply with the law, adding that “there are still too many children on social media” despite the restrictions.
He said the tougher penalties reflected the seriousness of government efforts to ensure compliance, stressing that platforms must take responsibility for enforcing age restrictions.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said she was “not satisfied” with current platform efforts, accusing tech companies of taking minimal action and using loopholes to bypass regulations.
She said the government would not back down and would “double down” on holding big tech companies accountable.
Under the updated rules, the eSafety Commissioner will be empowered to compel companies to provide detailed evidence of compliance measures, including data from third-party age verification providers and app store operators.
Officials said platforms must demonstrate they are taking “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16 users from creating accounts, or face significant penalties.
The government said more than five million accounts belonging to underage users have already been blocked since the ban came into effect on December 10.
However, reports suggest widespread circumvention of the rules, with teenagers using fake accounts, borrowing adult identities, or accessing platforms through private browsing tools.
A recent peer-reviewed study published in the British Medical Journal found “insufficient evidence” that the restrictions had significantly reduced social media usage among teenagers, citing widespread evasion of the rules.
The research found little change in usage among younger teens and only minor reductions among some age groups, while usage among older teens reportedly increased.
Despite this, the government says stronger enforcement is necessary to close loopholes and ensure compliance.
Platforms have argued they are implementing safeguards, including AI-based age estimation tools and identity verification systems, but critics say these measures remain inconsistent.
Several countries, including Britain, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, are closely monitoring Australia’s approach as they consider similar restrictions.