'Not doing enough': tougher social ban law for big tech

Australia is doubling down on big tech, announcing significantly tougher laws and penalties to enforce its world-first ban on social media for children under 16, citing widespread non-compliance. Maximum fines for systematic breaches will rocket from A$49.5 million to a hefty A$99 million, pushing social media giants to confront their perceived failure in protecting young users. This move comes just six months after the initial ban, revealing the government's frustration with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, which are already under investigation for potential violations. The crackdown stems from alarming new research, including a University of Newcastle study, indicating that up to 85% of Australian under-16s are still easily bypassing age restrictions despite over five million underage accounts reportedly being removed or restricted since the ban's December 2025 introduction. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells have openly accused tech companies of 'not doing enough,' prompting the eSafety Commissioner to demand more robust tools. The strengthened laws will grant the Commissioner enhanced information-gathering powers, compelling platforms to disclose their age assurance methods and even data from third-party app stores. With similar age restriction debates gaining traction globally in countries like the UK and France, Australia's aggressive stance sets a critical precedent. The focus now shifts to whether these escalated penalties and powers will finally force big tech into genuine compliance or if platforms will continue to find new ways to circumvent regulations. Watch for continued investigations by the eSafety Commissioner and potential legal challenges, like the one already launched by Reddit, as the battle for online child safety intensifies.