Australia plans to double fines for companies not complying with under-16s social media ban
Australia is set to double the maximum fines for social media companies that fail to enforce its under-16s ban, as the government steps up pressure on major technology platforms.
Australia is planning to double the maximum fines for social media companies that fail to comply with the country's landmark ban on under-16s holding accounts, as the government seeks to strengthen enforcement of the world-first legislation.
The Anthony Albanese government announced on Sunday (28.06.26) that the maximum penalty for systematic breaches of the law will rise from AUD 49.5 million to AUD 99 million (around $68 million).
The increased penalties bring the legislation into line with sanctions available under Australia's consumer protection laws.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the tougher measures were necessary because technology companies were still not doing enough to keep children off their platforms.
She said: "Six months into our world-leading social media law, I am not satisfied that tech companies are doing everything they can to keep under-16s off their platforms."
Wells accused companies of using tactics "straight out of the big tech playbook" and "doing the bare minimum to get by".
She said: "I am making sure the regulator has stronger tools to get the job done and doubling the fines for non-compliance.
"These tough new penalties and powers show we will not back down. Instead, we are doubling down on our efforts to hold big tech to account."
According to Australia's eSafety Commissioner, more than five million under-16 accounts have been removed, restricted or deactivated since the legislation came into force last December.
The updated powers will also make it easier for the regulator to gather evidence from third parties, including age-assurance providers and app stores, to verify whether platforms are complying with the law.
The eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating the compliance of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government remained committed to enforcing the legislation despite ongoing challenges.
He said: "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 – there are still too many children on social media.
"These changes reflect the seriousness with which we take any failure by social media companies to comply with our world-leading law."
The tougher penalties come despite recent research suggesting the restrictions have yet to significantly reduce social media use among teenagers.
A University of Newcastle study published earlier this month found around four in five under-16s were still accessing social media, concluding there was "insufficient evidence of any substantive early effects".
Australia's legislation has prompted similar proposals in countries including the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia, with several governments considering comparable restrictions on young people's access to social media platforms.
