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Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Fails, Government Responds with Massive Fines
Australia's landmark social media ban for under-16s, introduced in 2024, is widely acknowledged as failing just six months after enactment. Government minister Anika Wells stated that the scheme is not working well and blamed Big Tech for insufficient action. In response, the government is doubling down by introducing fines of up to A$50 million ($33.6 million) for platforms that fail to implement adequate age verification. The ban prohibits users under 16 from accessing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, but enforcement has been weak. Tech companies argue that age verification technology is not yet reliable. A government taskforce is set to release recommendations on age assurance technology by late September. The new penalties aim to compel compliance before the law's full enforcement deadline.
Fortune | FORTUNEAustralia Doubles Penalties for Tech Firms Over Children's Social Media Ban
Australia announced on June 29, 2026, that it will double the maximum penalty for tech companies that systematically fail to enforce a ban on social media for children under 16, raising it to A$99 million ($68 million). The government also strengthened the eSafety Commissioner's powers to compel platforms like Meta's Instagram and Facebook, Google's YouTube, Snap's Snapchat, and TikTok to provide evidence of compliance. Despite the ban being in place for six months, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that 85% of Australians aged 12-15 still use social media, with many circumventing age checks by self-declaring an older age or using selfies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized tech firms for doing the bare minimum, while over 5 million under-16 accounts have been deactivated. The ban is being closely watched globally, with Britain planning similar restrictions. Public skepticism remains, with residents like Penny Lilley and Zara Keats expressing doubt about the effectiveness of stiffer penalties.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Australia Doubles Fine for Corporate Violations of Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia, which introduced the world's first social media ban for under-16s in December 2025, is now doubling the maximum penalty for corporate violations to 99 million Australian dollars (59.9 million euros). The government announced on June 28, 2026, that the internet regulatory authority will receive expanded powers to investigate systematic violations by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. A study published in the British Medical Journal concluded the ban has had little effect on teen media usage, as minors bypass restrictions using fake accounts or accounts registered to older individuals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that big tech companies are not doing enough to comply, and Communications Minister Anika Wells accused platforms of using 'tricks from the tech giants' playbook.' The regulator can now compel companies to provide evidence of measures taken to prevent under-16s from opening accounts, including from third-party age verification providers and app store operators.
taz.de - taz.deAustralia's Teen Social Media Ban Has Little Impact, Research Shows
A peer-reviewed study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that Australia's world-leading social media ban for under-16s, enacted in December 2025, has had minimal effect on teenagers' scrolling habits. Researchers surveyed over 400 young users before and three months after the restrictions took effect, finding insufficient evidence of substantial change. Underage users continue to access platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook by using accounts registered to older people, creating fake profiles, or using private browsers. The study noted a slight decrease in use among 14-15 year olds but an increase among those 16 and older. Tech giants face fines up to Aus$49.5 million for failing to enforce the ban, but the Australian Communications Minister accused them of not complying. The findings highlight limited implementation and widespread circumvention in the early months of the law.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s Shows Little Effect, Study Finds
Australia, the first country to enact a social media ban for children under 16, has seen sobering results from an early study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers surveyed over 400 adolescents before and three months after the ban took effect in December 2025. They found insufficient evidence of a significant reduction in social media use among under-16s, as teens circumvent restrictions by creating fake accounts or using accounts registered to older individuals. Usage among 12-13 year-olds remained nearly unchanged, with a slight decrease in 14-15 year-olds and an increase among those 16 and older. The findings come as other countries consider similar measures. In Germany, an expert commission advised against a strict blanket ban, instead recommending a minimum age of 13 or restrictions on specific platforms.
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