The Australian government plans to double the maximum fine for social media companies that fail to comply with the country’s under-16 social media ban to A$99 million (about US$68.3 million) under proposed new legislation.
According to ABC News, the draft law is aimed at strengthening enforcement against technology companies that fail to prevent underage users from accessing social media platforms.
The proposal would expand the powers of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, allowing her to require social media companies to provide evidence of the measures they have taken to enforce the age restrictions.
Third-party companies that provide age verification services would also be required to supply relevant information to regulators.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said social media platforms have been required since December 2025 to take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under the age of 16 from creating new accounts or accessing existing ones.