Meta flagged in Australia probe over under-16 ban, faces A$49.5M fine
Australia's eSafety regulator has flagged Meta's Facebook and Instagram for suspected breaches of its under-16 social media ban, citing gaps in age-check procedures and reporting pathways. The platforms face fines up to A$49.5 million per violation and potential reputational damage if noncompliance persists.
1. Investigation Details
Australia's eSafety regulator has launched its first public compliance assessment of the new under-16 social media ban, flagging Facebook and Instagram among five major platforms for potential breaches. The move signals a shift toward enforcement under the world-first regime.
2. Compliance Gaps Identified
The regulator identified gaps in age assurance, including repeated attempts by under-16 users to bypass checks, lack of fresh age prompts for returning accounts, insufficient pathways for public reporting, and weak safeguards against new underage sign-ups.
3. Enforcement and Penalties
Platforms face fines up to A$49.5 million per noncompliance event and heightened reputational risk as the watchdog transitions from monitoring to enforcement. Each service has been notified of specific concerns and expected to implement remedial measures promptly.