Australia to Empower eSafety Commissioner and Levy A$49.5m Fines on Social Platforms
Australia will bolster its under-16 social media ban by empowering the eSafety commissioner and preparing legal action against five major platforms facing fines up to A$49.5 million for compliance failures. Studies show 85% of Australians aged 12-15 still use social media three months into the six-month ban, highlighting age-verification weaknesses.
1. Enforcement Boost
The government plans to strengthen the under-16 social media ban by empowering the eSafety commissioner with expanded authority to enforce compliance and withstand legal challenges.
2. Legal Action and Fines
Legal proceedings will be prepared against five major platforms, each facing fines up to A$49.5 million for systemic failures in upholding age-restriction requirements.
3. Ban Effectiveness Concerns
A recent study found 85% of Australians aged 12-15 continued using social media three months into the six-month ban, exposing weaknesses in current age-verification mechanisms.
4. Ongoing Legal Challenges
Reddit has launched a constitutional challenge in Australia's highest court, while the government intends to defend the ban and finalize legal strategies against noncompliant platforms.
