Australia has announced plans to strengthen enforcement of its social media ban for children, proposing to double the maximum penalties for technology companies that fail to prevent users under the age of 16 from creating accounts.

The move forms part of a broader effort by the government to tighten oversight of digital platforms amid concerns that many children continue to access social media despite restrictions that have been in place for six months.

Fines To Increase Under Proposed Changes

Under the proposed amendments, the maximum penalty for platforms found to have systematically breached the law will rise from A$49.5 million to A$99 million, equivalent to about $68 million.

The government said the tougher sanctions are intended to ensure technology companies take stronger measures to prevent underage users from accessing their services.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said major technology firms had not done enough to comply with the legislation despite its introduction earlier this year.

Regulator To Receive Expanded Powers

The proposed reforms would also significantly expand the authority of Australia’s internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner.

Under the new framework, the regulator would be able to compel social media companies to provide evidence demonstrating how they are enforcing age restrictions.

The powers would also extend to seeking information from third-party organisations involved in age verification, including app store operators and companies that provide age-checking technology.

Authorities said the changes are designed to improve transparency and strengthen compliance monitoring.

Millions Of Accounts Removed But Concerns Remain

The Australian government said more than five million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 have been removed or restricted since the legislation came into force.

However, studies suggest many children continue to access social media platforms by circumventing age-verification systems.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that 85 per cent of Australian children aged between 12 and 15 were still using social media three months after the restrictions were introduced.

According to the study, many users gained access by falsely stating they were over the age of 16 or by successfully passing selfie-based age-verification systems designed to identify minors.

Government Criticises Platform Compliance

Communications Minister Anika Wells accused some social media companies of doing the bare minimum required under the law.

She said several major platforms were attempting to avoid stricter enforcement measures rather than fully complying with the government’s child safety requirements.

The government confirmed that investigations are continuing into the compliance practices of major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.

Legal Challenge Looms

The proposed amendments are expected to be introduced in Parliament in the coming months as the government seeks bipartisan support for stronger enforcement provisions.

Meanwhile, Reddit has challenged the legislation in Australia’s highest court, arguing that the restrictions infringe upon freedom of expression.

The legal challenge is likely to become a key test of Australia’s efforts to balance child safety concerns with broader questions surrounding digital rights and access to online platforms.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share