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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