Australia targets tech giants with new under-16 social media ban laws, doubles fines

Australia is set to introduce new laws in parliament on Monday, aiming to crack down on tech giants and strengthen its under-16 social media ban.

Under the newly enacted laws, the parliament will grant the country’s internet regulator more power to pursue big techs in court for non-compliance.

According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the under-16s social media bans that took effect in December 2026 are not fully implemented yet as too many teens are still on social media and the big techs have failed to comply with law.

A study in the British Medical Journal showed that 85 percent of 12 to 15-year-old Australians have still been using Instagram, YouTube, and other sites three months after the ban.

Speaking to the reporters in Canberra, Anthony Albanese said, “"We're calling time on the social media companies today and ​doubling down on the changes that we have made and that we're prepared ​to make.”

"Today, we'll introduce legislation this afternoon that goes further to ensure social media companies are doing everything within their power to stop children under ​16 being on their platforms."

Five social media platforms are under investigation due to their potential non-compliance, including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Besides introducing new laws, the change would also double fines to A$99 million from A$49.5 million. The eSafety commissioner would be entitled to compel documents such as company’s internet emails and board minutes.

Communications Minister Anika Wells, warned, "If ⁠the ​eSafety Commissioner finds companies are not doing everything ​they can to comply, they will face the full force of the law."

To fully materialize this move, the government has urged the conservative coalition opposition to support this bill.

Following December's pioneering social media restrictions, this new move aims to address ongoing issues with enforcement.

Many countries are watching closely, as current data suggests that children continue to access these platforms despite the existing ban.