Australia is preparing to significantly increase penalties for social‑media platforms that fail to keep children off their services. Under amendments announced on Saturday, any company found to have systematically breached the nation’s online safety law could be fined up to A$99 million (approximately US$68 million), which is double the current maximum penalty. The reforms also broaden the investigative authority of the eSafety Commissioner, allowing the regulator to demand information not only from the platforms themselves but also from app stores and age‑verification service providers.
The measures come amid growing government frustration with the effectiveness of the world’s first nationwide ban that prevents children under 16 from holding social‑media accounts. The legislation, which was introduced six months ago, has attracted global attention as other governments consider stricter safeguards for minors online. Since the law took effect, more than 5 million accounts belonging to users under 16 have been removed or restricted, yet under‑age usage continues to be a concern.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that major technology companies have not gone far enough in enforcing the rules, despite the removal or restriction of those 5 million accounts. The eSafety Commissioner is currently reviewing compliance by Meta Platforms Inc’s Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet Inc’s YouTube, Snap’s Snapchat and TikTok.
Separately, Reddit has launched a legal challenge in Australia’s High Court, arguing that the law infringes on freedom of expression. The government has stated its intention to defend the legislation.
Reporting by Roushni Nair.