Australia proposes hefty fines for social media giants failing to enforce age ban

Technology giants are facing increased scrutiny and potential hefty fines in Australia for their perceived failure to enforce the country's social media age restrictions. New legislation introduced by the Labor government proposes fines of up to $1.65 million for companies that refuse to hand over documents relevant to their compliance with the ban on users under 16.

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There's a lot of faff around that and essentially [the eSafety Commissioner] has to take them at their word.

The eSafety Commissioner has expressed significant concern that major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, are not effectively implementing the minimum age restrictions. These rules, which took effect in December last year, aim to protect young Australians online. The proposed laws would also double the maximum fine for failing to keep underage users off platforms to $99 million, granting the eSafety Commissioner enhanced powers to compel the release of internal documents during investigations into "systemic neglect."

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My message to parents is this: Our laws have made an impact and we are not stopping, because just today I heard of a 13-year-old who opened a new social media account and wasn't even asked her age. It's simply not good enough.

Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the government believes tech companies have been circumventing the regulations. While approximately five million accounts linked to Australians under 16 have been deactivated since the ban, no company has yet been fined. Early research suggests many Australian teenagers have found ways to bypass the restrictions. Ms. Wells emphasized the government's commitment to protecting children online, noting that despite progress, some platforms remain a concern for the eSafety agency. The agency is prepared to utilize new regulatory tools if the legislation passes, while continuing to use existing measures to hold companies accountable.

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eSafety stands ready to deploy any new regulatory tool should proposed legislation be passed by parliament. In the meantime, eSafety is continuing to use its existing tools to maximum effect, holding technology companies to account and protecting Australian children.