Australia doubles fines on social media giants for failing to keep under-16s off their platforms

Offenders face doubled fines

Australia is raising the maximum penalty for systematic breaches of its under-16 social media ban to A$99 million (about $68.2 million), double the previous A$49.5 million. The change comes six months after the world-first restrictions took effect on 10 December, with the government accusing platforms of doing the bare minimum and adopting tricks from the big tech playbook.

“We're calling time on the social media companies today and doubling down on the changes that we have made and that we're prepared to make.”

Regulator’s expanded powers

The legislation also equips the eSafety Commissioner with sharper investigative tools. The regulator will be able to compel internal documents such as board minutes and emails, along with evidence from third parties like age‑assurance providers. Five platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube – are already under investigation for possible non‑compliance.

“My message to Big Tech is this: we are not stopping. Every effort you make to frustrate these laws will be met with our efforts to make these laws work.”

Teens still finding workarounds

More than five million under‑16s accounts have been removed, deactivated or restricted since the ban began, but independent research paints a different picture. A University of Newcastle study found four out of five young people were still accessing social media, while other reports describe users bypassing checks with VPNs or simple tricks like drawing a moustache for selfie‑based age verification.

International ripple effect

Australia’s move is being watched closely. The UK, Brazil, France, Spain, Indonesia, Italy and the United Arab Emirates have all announced or are considering similar restrictions. The UK’s proposed ban is set to be even more restrictive when it comes into effect next year.