MELBOURNE: Australia is moving to significantly increase penalties against social media giants failing to enforce its world-first ban on accounts for children under 16.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced draft legislation to double the maximum fine to 99 million Australian dollars (US$68 million). The move targets platforms like Facebook and Instagram that, according to the government, are not adequately preventing Australian children from maintaining accounts.
The ban, which took effect in December 2024, has faced criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness. The eSafety Commissioner reported in March that 70% of children who had accounts on the restricted platforms at the law's start were still active on them.
"We can all agree we would like the scheme to work better than it is currently, but that is on Big Tech taking the Mickey," Wells said, using Australian slang for mocking or deceiving.
The proposed amendments would also bolster the investigative powers of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. She would gain greater authority to demand information from both the platforms and third-party age assurance technology providers to verify compliance claims.
The opposition signaled potential support, with lawmaker Jane Hume stating the original legislation was "clearly undercooked."
Australia's approach is being closely observed globally. While the government initially reported over 5 million child account removals, the latest compliance data has prompted this legislative reinforcement.