Australia to double maximum penalty for platforms in breach of social media ban
Summary
Australia will increase the maximum fine for social media platforms that break its law banning children under 16 from using certain sites from $49.5 million to $99 million. The government also gave the independent eSafety Commissioner more power to check if these platforms are following the rules, after investigations showed many kids still use banned platforms.Key Facts
- Australia banned children under 16 from using 10 key social media platforms starting December 2025.
- The maximum penalty for platforms breaking this rule will double to AUD 99 million.
- The eSafety Commissioner can now require social media companies to show evidence of how they comply.
- Investigations are open into Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube for not fully complying.
- Reports show 7 out of 10 children under 16 who had accounts before the ban still have some access.
- Australian officials say many social media companies are not doing enough to keep children off their platforms.
- The UK plans a similar ban for under-16s, expected to start by spring 2027.
- The UK is also considering an overnight curfew and limits on infinite scrolling to protect young users.
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