Australia plans to double fines on Big Tech as under-16 social media ban falls short

Australia is moving to significantly tighten enforcement of its landmark social media ban for children, announcing plans to double the maximum penalties for technology companies that fail to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their platforms.Under the proposed amendments, the maximum penalty for systematic non-compliance will increase from A$49.5 million to A$99 million. The government also intends to give the country's online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, stronger powers to compel social media companies to provide evidence of the steps they have taken to enforce the age restriction.The tougher approach comes six months after Australia implemented one of the world's strictest social media laws for minors. Despite the legislation, recent studies suggest many teenagers continue to access platforms by bypassing age verification measures.The government said the eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating the possible non-compliance of five major platforms—Facebook and Instagram, owned by Meta, YouTube, owned by Google, Snapchat and TikTok.Also read: Australia eyes tougher enforcement as teen social media ban shows limited impactPrime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had seen growing international interest in Australia's approach but argued that technology companies had not done enough to enforce the law. According to the government, more than five million accounts belonging to users under 16 have been deactivated or restricted since the ban came into force.However, research has raised questions about the effectiveness of existing age-verification systems. A study published this week in the British Medical Journal found that 85% of Australian children aged 12 to 15 were still using social media three months after the restrictions took effect.The study, which surveyed 408 adolescents, found that around two-thirds of underage users gained access by declaring they were older than 16 or by submitting selfies that platforms accepted as proof of age.The Australian government has argued that many platforms are relying on weak enforcement rather than making full use of available age-assurance technologies. Communications Minister Anika Wells accused social media companies of doing "the bare minimum" to comply with the legislation.The proposed legal changes would also allow the eSafety Commissioner to seek information from third parties, including app store operators and age-verification service providers, to independently assess claims made by technology companies about their compliance.The government has not yet announced when the amendments will be introduced in Parliament but said further details would be provided soon.Australia's legislation is being closely watched internationally as governments explore stricter rules for children's online safety. Earlier this month, the United Kingdom announced plans to extend similar restrictions to gaming and live-streaming platforms.Meanwhile, online discussion platform Reddit has challenged Australia's social media ban in the country's highest court, arguing that the legislation infringes on free speech. The Australian government has said it will defend the law.