Are social media giants failing Australia’s under-16 ban? Investigation begins

Canberra: The Australian government has launched an investigation into major social media platforms over alleged non-compliance with its world-first under-16 social media ban, raising fresh concerns about online child safety in Australia.

In its first compliance report, the eSafety Commissioner said it has “significant concerns” about how leading platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, are enforcing the minimum age restrictions introduced in December.

Strict penalties for social media non-compliance

Under Australia’s social media age ban laws, companies that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (approx. $33.9 million).

The watchdog’s report flagged several compliance failures, including:

• Allowing children to repeatedly attempt age verification checks until they obtain a 16+ result
• Lack of proper systems to report underage accounts
• Weak enforcement of age assurance mechanisms

Authorities confirmed that five social media platforms have been formally notified, and a full-scale investigation into potential breaches is now underway.

Government warns tech firms to follow Australian law

Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, issued a strong warning, stating that companies must comply with Australian digital safety laws or face strict action.

“If these companies want to operate in Australia, they must obey Australian laws,” she said, urging regulators to take firm enforcement measures against repeat violations.

Meanwhile, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirmed that authorities are moving into the enforcement phase of the under-16 social media ban, signalling tougher regulatory action ahead.

Millions of underage accounts removed after ban

Government data revealed that more than 4.7 million social media accounts belonging to children under 16 were deactivated within days of the law coming into effect on December 10.

The crackdown highlights Australia’s aggressive stance on child online protection, social media regulation and age verification compliance, setting a global benchmark for digital safety enforcement.

IANS