Australia will double the maximum fine for social media companies that fail to comply with its under-16 account ban to 99 million AUD, the government announced this week. The Albanese administration is also expanding the powers of the eSafety Commissioner to enforce the law more effectively, including compelling platforms and third parties to provide compliance information, according to medianama.com.
The under-16 ban, which prohibits children under 16 from having accounts on designated social media platforms, was enacted in late 2024 and took effect in December 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said big tech firms are not doing enough to comply, and Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the need for stronger regulatory tools. The new legislation will also double penalties for failing to comply with information requests from the eSafety Commissioner.
Australia’s law has influenced similar regulations globally, with multiple countries exploring or enacting comparable restrictions on underage social media use. The increased fines and expanded enforcement powers reflect growing concerns about children’s safety online and the effectiveness of existing measures. The move positions Australia as a leading jurisdiction in regulating social media platforms’ responsibilities toward minors.
The maximum penalty for failing to comply with the Commissioner’s information-gathering notices will also double under the new rules, reinforcing the government’s commitment to stricter oversight. The expanded powers and higher fines aim to ensure better compliance as the government continues to monitor social media platforms’ adherence to the under-16 law.