Australia Doubles Fines for Under-16 Social Media Breaches

Australia will double penalties for companies that violate its ban on social media use by children under 16, strengthening one of the world's strictest online safety laws.

Under the proposed changes, platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat could face fines of up to A$99 million ($68 million), up from A$49.5 million, if they fail to prevent underage users from creating accounts.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said technology companies were not doing enough to comply with the law, despite its introduction in December 2025.

The reforms will also grant the country's online safety regulator expanded powers to demand information from social media firms, app stores and age-verification providers to ensure compliance.

Australia became the first nation to introduce an age-based social media ban for under-16s. While authorities say more than five million underage accounts have been removed or restricted, recent studies suggest most children continue to access social media through existing or alternative accounts.

Several countries, including Indonesia and France, are pursuing similar age restrictions as governments seek stronger protections for children online.