Australia to double penalty for social media ban breaches to $99m as tech giants accused of ‘not doing enough’
The Australian government is doubling the penalty for social media companies that fail to enforce the under-16 age ban to $99 million. Officials argue that tech giants are not doing enough to prevent children from accessing harmful content and are strengthening the eSafety commissioner's investigative powers.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in global regulatory efforts to hold big tech accountable for the safety and mental health of minors on their platforms.
More than 5m social media accounts held by under-16s have been removed, deactivated or restricted since Australia’s ban commenced, the government says. More than 5m social media accounts held by under-16s have been removed, deactivated or restricted since Australia’s ban commenced, the government says. Social media ban Australia to double penalty for social media ban breaches to $99m as tech giants accused of ‘not doing enough’ Prime minister Anthony Albanese says too many children still on platforms but he is ‘heartened’ by world-leading law
The article reports on government policy and official statements without taking a partisan stance, though it focuses on the government's perspective.
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