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Australia Doubles Penalties for Social Media Ban Breaches

12 sourcesFirst reported 24 days agoUpdated 21 days ago

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Australia is increasing fines for social media platforms violating bans on underage users.
The maximum penalty will rise to $99 million AUD for repeat violations.
This decision comes as the government notes insufficient enforcement by tech companies.
Authorities are granting increased powers to regulate social media platforms.

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Australia is set to double the penalties for social media platforms that violate its ban on children under the age of 16 accessing these sites. The maximum fine will increase to AUD 99 million (approximately EUR 60 million) for repeated offenses. This decision comes amid growing concerns that, despite the ban introduced in December 2025, many children continue to access key social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has highlighted the government's dissatisfaction with the current measures, stating that tech companies are "not doing enough" to enforce the ban effectively. In addition to the increased fines, the legislation will empower the Australian digital regulator with enhanced authority to oversee and enforce compliance among technology firms. The government's move reflects an effort to address the lack of meaningful impact from existing regulations on children’s social media use, as highlighted by recent data indicating the ban's limited effectiveness.

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