The Australian government has taken a significant step in its efforts to protect children from social media by doubling the maximum penalty for platforms that violate the nation's minimum age law. The new maximum penalty will reach $99 million (£51.7 million), reflecting the government's commitment to enforcing compliance among social media companies.

As part of the updated legislation, the eSafety Commissioner will gain the authority to compel social media companies to provide evidence of their compliance with the ban. This move comes in response to ongoing concerns that many children under the age of 16 are still able to access and use key social media platforms, despite the ban that was implemented on December 10, 2025.

Investigations have been launched into the alleged non-compliance of five major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The Australian government's initial ban on these platforms was met with considerable enthusiasm; however, enforcement has proven challenging. A report from the eSafety Commission revealed that seven out of ten children under 16 who had social media accounts prior to the ban still had some access to these platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the situation, stating, "There are still too many children on social media," and emphasized the need for tech companies to do more to comply with the law. Communications Minister Anika Wells echoed this sentiment, criticizing social media firms for their inadequate efforts to enforce the age restrictions.

In light of Australia's actions, several other countries, including the UK, have indicated plans to implement similar bans on social media access for children under 16. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced intentions to introduce a comparable ban by spring 2027, showcasing a growing global momentum towards regulating social media access for younger audiences.

As the debate continues, the Australian government is also considering additional measures, such as an overnight curfew and restrictions on infinite scrolling for users under 18. These potential changes signal a broader effort to reshape how social media is used and regulated, particularly concerning the safety of younger users.