Australia has significantly increased the financial penalties for social media companies that fail to prevent children under the age of 16 from using their platforms.
The maximum fine has now been raised to 99 million Australian dollars (around $68.2 million), doubling the previous limit as the government intensifies enforcement of its landmark social media restrictions for minors.
The move comes after a recent study found that more than 80 percent of Australians under 16 continue to access social media despite the new rules. The findings have raised concerns about whether major technology companies are doing enough to verify users’ ages and block underage accounts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the latest data shows that tech companies are still falling short of their responsibilities. “It’s clear big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law – there are still too many children on social media,” he said, emphasizing that the government expects stronger action to protect young users online.
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