The federal government is strengthening Australia’s under 16s social media ban by doubling the maximum penalty for breaches to $99 million from $49.5 million.
The government said that while more than 5 million under-16s accounts had been removed since the ban was introduced, many under-16s continued to use social media.
“I’m heartened by the shift in conversation and the global momentum we’ve seen since introducing the social media minimum age, but it’s clear big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law – there are still too many children on social media,” said prime minister Anthony Albanese.
“These changes reflect the seriousness with which we take any failure by social media companies to comply with our world-leading law.”
The new laws will allow the eSafety Commissioner to compel social media companies to provide evidence of what they have done to stop under 16s from getting an account, such as demanding information and documents to gather evidence.
This ability to demand documentation will extend to third parties, such as age assurance or app-store providers, which may assist in validating or testing claims made by platforms.
The eSafety Commissioner will also be afforded enhanced powers, stronger enforcement and compliance tools, to hold big tech accountable.
Anika Wells, the minister for communications, said she's not satisfied that tech companies are doing their best to keep under-16's off platforms.
“Six months into our world-leading social media law, I am not satisfied that tech companies are doing everything they can to keep under-16s off their platforms.
“Based on the regular updates I receive from the eSafety Commissioner, it is clear to me that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by.
“In response, I am making sure the regulator has stronger tools to get the job done and doubling the fines for non-compliance.
“Social media platforms are some of the richest and most powerful companies in the world, and we’re serious about holding them to account.
“These tough new penalties and powers show we will not back down. Instead, we are doubling down on our efforts to hold big tech to account.”
The e-Safety commissioner is actively investigating potential non-compliance in relation to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
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