Australia Enhances Penalties for Social Media Platforms Failing to Comply with Age Restrictions

Australia to double maximum penalty for platforms – The Australian government has announced plans to increase the maximum fine for social media platforms that violate the country’s under-16 age restriction law to $99 million. This move aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the ban, which was introduced to prevent children from accessing online platforms before they reach 16. The updated legislation also grants the eSafety Commissioner the authority to require social media companies to present proof of their compliance measures. This new power is intended to hold platforms accountable for any shortcomings in enforcing the age limit.

Since December 10, 2025, children under the age of 16 have been barred from using 10 primary social media platforms in Australia. However, the government has admitted that enforcement has proven challenging, as many young users continue to access the banned apps. Regulatory investigations have been initiated against five of the banned platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube—focusing on their alleged failure to meet the minimum age requirements. The eSafety Commission, Australia’s independent watchdog, reported that seven out of 10 children with social media accounts before the ban still had “some access” to the platforms.

“I’m heartened by the shift in conversation and the global momentum we’ve seen since introducing the social media minimum age, but it’s clear big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The government’s decision to double the penalty reflects its determination to address the ongoing issues with platform compliance. While the ban was implemented late last year with significant public attention, its effectiveness has been questioned. In February, the BBC visited a Sydney school where students who previously used social media before the ban confirmed they could still access the platforms. This anecdotal evidence supports broader concerns that the regulation has not fully curbed underage usage.

Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, echoed these sentiments, stating she was “not satisfied” with the efforts of tech companies to keep children off social media. “It is clear to me that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by,” she added. The minister emphasized that the increased penalties and investigative powers would ensure “more effective enforcement” of the law. This comes as the eSafety Commissioner has been given additional tools to scrutinize platform actions, including the ability to demand documentation of compliance steps.

The legislation’s expansion is part of a broader trend of global regulatory action on digital platforms. In the months following Australia’s ban, several nations, including the UK, have signaled their intent to adopt similar measures. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in June 2026 that the UK would introduce a comparable restriction for children under 16, with the law set to take effect by spring 2027. While the exact list of affected platforms in the UK has not yet been finalized, the government stated it would apply to services “whose purpose is to enable social interaction and which allow users to post material.” This includes considerations of features like overnight curfews and mechanisms to limit infinite scrolling for under-18s.

Australia’s ban has sparked debate about its impact on both users and platforms. Critics argue that the measure has not significantly reduced access for underage users, citing the continued use of apps despite the legal restrictions. The eSafety Commission’s findings reinforce this point, highlighting that the majority of children still find ways to bypass the age limit. Meanwhile, supporters of the policy believe it has raised awareness about the risks of early social media exposure and set a precedent for other countries to follow.

“There are still too many children on social media,” Albanese noted in his statement. The prime minister stressed that the penalty increase and expanded powers would ensure platforms take their responsibilities seriously. “The increased penalties are a clear signal that we are not backing down from holding big tech accountable,” he said.

The enforcement challenges have prompted discussions about the need for more robust oversight. The eSafety Commissioner’s role has been central to this effort, with its authority now expanded to investigate and take action against platforms that fail to comply. This includes the ability to compel companies to provide evidence of their compliance measures, which could lead to targeted penalties or corrective actions. The revised law underscores Australia’s commitment to balancing digital innovation with the protection of young users.

As the policy continues to evolve, its long-term effectiveness remains under scrutiny. While the initial goal was to restrict underage access, the government now faces the task of ensuring platforms actively implement measures to enforce the ban. This includes features like age verification systems, parental controls, and content moderation tools. The UK’s potential adoption of a similar rule highlights the growing international focus on protecting children in the digital age.

Social Media Firms Must Better Enforce Australia’s Under-16 Ban, Watchdog Says

Australia’s eSafety Commission has reiterated its call for stricter enforcement of the under-16 social media ban. In a recent report, the watchdog emphasized that platforms must take more decisive steps to ensure compliance, particularly in light of the persistent use of banned apps by young users. The commission’s findings reveal that a majority of children under 16 still have access to social media platforms, even after the law was enacted. This has raised questions about the adequacy of current measures and the need for stronger enforcement tools.

The Australian government’s response to these findings has been to amplify penalties and expand the regulator’s powers. By doubling the maximum fine for non-compliance, the government aims to incentivize platforms to prioritize age restrictions. The eSafety Commissioner’s ability to demand proof of compliance steps adds another layer of accountability, making it harder for companies to evade responsibility. This approach is designed to create pressure on platforms to improve their policies and technology.

How the Social Media Ban Could Reshape Digital Usage

The implementation of Australia’s under-16 social media ban has already begun influencing the way users interact with online platforms. With stricter age verification processes and penalties for non-compliance, companies are likely to redesign their services to accommodate the new regulations. This includes introducing features like parental controls, time limits for younger users, and more rigorous identity checks. The policy may also encourage platforms to develop age-appropriate content strategies, particularly for users under 16.

As the ban takes hold, its impact on user behavior could be significant. While some children may still find ways to access the platforms, the presence of stricter penalties and enhanced regulatory oversight is expected to reduce overall usage. This shift could lead to a more cautious approach by users, particularly parents and guardians, in allowing younger individuals to engage with social media. The policy also sets a precedent for other nations to implement similar measures, potentially leading to a global standard for protecting children online.

Australia’s initiative has sparked a wave of international interest, with the UK among the countries considering similar actions. The government’s decision to increase penalties and expand regulatory powers reflects a growing consensus that digital platforms must be held to higher standards. As more nations adopt these rules, the pressure on tech companies to innovate and comply with age restrictions is likely to intensify. The future of the ban will depend on its ability to enforce compliance and protect the well-being of young users in an increasingly connected world.