Australia Plans Higher Fines for Social Media Firms Failing to Block Underage Users

Australia is moving to strengthen its landmark online safety law by proposing significantly tougher penalties for social media companies that fail to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms. The planned reforms come as the government admits that many underage users continue to bypass the country's age restrictions despite the legislation taking effect six months ago.

Under amendments announced on Saturday, technology companies that repeatedly or systematically violate the law could face fines of up to A$99 million (US$68 million), doubling the current maximum penalty. The Australian government also intends to broaden the powers of the eSafety Commissioner, allowing the regulator to demand information not only from social media platforms but also from app stores and age-verification service providers involved in enforcing the rules.

The proposed changes highlight growing concerns within the government about the effectiveness of Australia's world-first nationwide ban prohibiting children under 16 from holding social media accounts. The law has attracted international attention as governments worldwide consider stricter regulations aimed at protecting minors online.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said major technology companies have not done enough to fully comply with the legislation. While more than five million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 have reportedly been removed or restricted since the law was introduced, the government believes stronger enforcement is necessary to close remaining loopholes.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating whether major platforms, including Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet's YouTube, Snap's Snapchat, and TikTok, have met their legal obligations under the new online safety framework.

Meanwhile, Reddit has challenged the legislation in Australia's High Court, arguing that the law infringes on freedom of expression. The Australian government has vowed to defend the legislation, maintaining that the measures are necessary to improve child safety online and ensure social media companies take greater responsibility for protecting young users.