On June 22, the Australian government announced it would strengthen its ban on social media use by children under 16 — considered one of the world's toughest measures — by giving the online safety regulator stronger investigative powers and doubling the maximum penalties for violations.
Under the announcement, social media platforms that breach the rules will face fines of up to tens of millions of Australian dollars, double the current penalty. The move aims to enhance deterrence and protect children from the negative impacts of social media.
The Australian government said it would grant the eSafety Commissioner additional authority to investigate and handle violations. The agency will have the power to require platforms to provide information and data related to the enforcement of the ban.
The measure comes as Australia leads the world in protecting children online. Previously, the country enacted a law banning children under 16 from using social media, despite opposition from major technology companies.
The latest move by the Australian government underscores its strong determination to enforce online safety regulations and sends a warning to social media platforms about the consequences of non-compliance.
