The government is ‘doubling down’ on its social media ban. But bigger penalties for platforms aren’t enough
Publish Date: 2026-06-28 23:17:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
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The Australian government announced stronger measures against social media platforms that do not comply with age restrictions for under-16s, following a study showing that over 85% of young users still access such platforms.
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Australia is enhancing its restrictions with bigger penalties, doubling the maximum fine for systematic breaches from A$49.5 million to A$99 million.
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The eSafety Commissioner’s investigative powers will be expanded to allow compulsory information gathering from social media companies and third parties to ensure compliance.
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Despite these changes, many gaps remain, including the inability to prevent children from accessing problematic content via algorithms even if they don’t have accounts, and exemptions for messaging apps and generative AI tools.
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Australian parents have to remain vigilant due to limitations in the legislation, requiring them to monitor new and less recognized platforms and understand the workarounds circumventing age-checks.
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Critics argue the current legislation doesn’t improve overall safety and oversimplifies complex issues, prompting the resurrection of the “digital duty of care” legislation aimed at requiring comprehensive safety measures from online service providers starting later in 2025.
