Australia plans legislation to double maximum fines for social media companies that fail to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms. Penalties for systematic breaches will increase from A$49.5 million to A$99 million, approximately $68 million USD.
The move follows criticism that tech giants do not enforce existing age restrictions, in effect since late 2025. Communications Minister Anika Wells accused platforms of undermining these rules. Australia's eSafety Commissioner investigates Meta's Facebook and Instagram, among other platforms, for potential non-compliance.
The proposed legislation also grants the eSafety Commissioner enhanced powers. The Commissioner can demand evidence from social media companies and third-party age-verification providers regarding their compliance efforts.