According to ABC News, the Australian government has prepared a bill that would increase sanctions on tech companies to tighten the social media ban.
The new regulation expands the powers of Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. Grant can request evidence from social media companies about the measures they have taken to enforce the age limit.
Third-party companies that offer age verification services to the platforms are also required to provide information.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled in his statement that since December 2025, social media platforms have been required to “take appropriate measures” to prevent users under the age of 16 from opening accounts or using existing accounts, saying that major technology companies have not made sufficient efforts to comply with the law.
Explaining that many children still use social media, Albanese announced that the maximum fine that can be imposed if companies fail to meet their obligations will be increased from 49.5 million Australian dollars to 99 million Australian dollars.
According to the government, more than 5 million accounts of users under 16 have been removed, disabled or suspended since the decision came into effect.
Age regulations for social media use in Australia
In Australia, the law on access to social media platforms for people under the age of 16 came into force on December 10, 2025.
As part of the regulation, 10 channels, including Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick, as well as networks such as X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, are subject to age restrictions.
With the law, the Australian government aims to reduce the negative impact of algorithms and harmful content on children and young people.
Companies are expected to be fined A$49.5 million if they do not take appropriate steps to remove accounts belonging to children under 16.
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