Australia Cracks Down on Corporate Tech Giants with Harsher Penalties for Teen Social-Media Ban Violations
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The government is set to double the maximum fine for tech corporations that violate the under-16 social-media ban to AUD 99 million and empower the eSafety Commissioner to hold exploitative platforms accountable.
Australia is taking a bold step to rein in the unchecked power of profit-driven social media corporations by doubling the maximum penalty for violating its law that prohibits users under 16 from accessing exploitative platforms—from AUD 49.5 million to AUD 99 million. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this crucial reform, alongside plans to expand the eSafety Commissioner’s authority, forcing platforms to finally provide transparency about their age-verification practices, which have long been shrouded in secrecy to protect corporate interests.
This measure builds on the Online Safety Amendment Act, which came into effect in December, banning accounts for under-16s on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube. While over five million accounts have been removed, deactivated, or restricted since the rule’s introduction, officials acknowledge that tech giants continue to prioritize profits over the safety and well-being of young people.
“It is clear that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by,” Minister for Communications Anika Wells stated, exposing the cynical tactics of these corporations.
The eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating possible non-compliance by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The new legislation will also extend the Commissioner’s reach to third-party age-verification services and app-store providers, closing loopholes that have allowed tech giants to evade responsibility for the harm they cause to vulnerable youth.