Australia has announced stricter action against social media companies that fail to follow its minimum age law. The government plans to double the maximum penalty for platforms that do not properly enforce the ban on users under 16 years of age.
The updated law will raise the highest possible fine to $99 million (around £51.7 million). Officials say the tougher penalties are designed to push technology companies to take stronger action to prevent children from accessing restricted platforms.
Government Increases Pressure on Social Media Companies
Under the revised legislation, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner will receive stronger investigative powers. The regulator will be able to require social media companies to provide evidence showing the steps they have taken to stop underage users from creating or using accounts.
The government believes these new powers will help improve enforcement and hold companies accountable if they fail to follow the law.
Under 16 Ban Still Faces Challenges
Australia introduced the social media age restriction on 10 December 2025. The law applies to major platforms and prevents children under the age of 16 from using several popular social media services.
Despite the new rules, many young users continue to access these platforms. Government officials admit that enforcing the ban has been more difficult than expected.
According to Australia’s online safety regulator, around seven out of ten children under 16 who had social media accounts before the law came into effect still have some level of access.
