Australia will double fines on social media companies that fail to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms. The government announced this decision on Saturday, stating that new legislation will raise maximum penalties from 49.5 million to 99 million Australian dollars (approximately $31 million to $68 million).
This move aims to hold Big Tech accountable for not adequately enforcing the under-16 ban.
The eSafety Commissioner will gain enhanced powers to enforce compliance among platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for stricter measures, stating, "It’s clear Big Tech are not doing enough to comply with the law. There are still too many children on social media."
The under-16 social media ban, effective since December 10, has positioned Australia as a global example for other nations considering similar restrictions. Countries like the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand are monitoring Australia's approach to child protection on social media.
Despite the ban, children have continued to evade restrictions by using accounts registered to older individuals, creating fake profiles, or logging in through private browsers. A recent peer-reviewed study published in the British Medical Journal indicated that there is "insufficient evidence" that the ban has significantly reduced social media usage among young people.
Researchers surveyed over 400 children before the measure took effect and again three months later, finding "substantial circumvention" of the rules.
Communications Minister Anika Wells noted that while over five million accounts belonging to under-16s have been blocked, social media platforms are still not meeting compliance standards.
She stated, "Based on the regular updates I receive from the eSafety Commissioner, 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." The new powers will enable the eSafety Commissioner to demand documentation and evidence from platforms
to ensure they are taking appropriate measures to restrict access to minors.
