Canberra, June 28, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Australian government has announced plans to significantly strengthen its landmark social media ban for children by doubling the maximum penalties for technology companies that fail to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their platforms.
Under the proposed changes, the maximum fine for systematic non-compliance will increase from A$49.5 million to A$99 million (approximately US$68 million). The government also intends to expand the powers of the eSafety Commissioner, enabling the regulator to require social media companies to provide evidence of the measures they have implemented to prevent children from creating accounts.
The move follows growing concerns that the legislation, introduced six months ago, has had only limited success. According to a recent study, 85 percent of Australian children aged between 12 and 15 continued using social media three months after the ban came into effect. Many reportedly circumvented age restrictions by falsely declaring they were over 16 or by using selfie-based age verification systems accepted by online platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said major technology companies were not doing enough to comply with the law, despite more than five million accounts belonging to users under 16 having been restricted or deactivated since the legislation was introduced.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating the compliance of several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The proposed amendments would also empower regulators to obtain information from third parties, including app stores and age-verification providers, allowing independent assessments of the effectiveness of platforms’ child safety measures.
Australia’s legislation is being closely monitored internationally as governments consider adopting similar measures to address concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Reddit has challenged the legislation in Australia’s highest court, arguing that it infringes on freedom of speech. The Australian government has said it will defend the law.
