**Australia to Double Maximum Penalty for Social Media Platforms Breaching Age Law**
*Published: 27 June 2026*
The Australian government has announced a significant increase in the maximum penalties for social media platforms that violate the nation’s minimum age law, doubling the fine to $99 million AUD (£51.7 million). This legislative update aims to strengthen enforcement measures against platforms that allow children under the age of 16 to access their services, which have been prohibited since December 10, 2025.
As part of the revised regulations, the eSafety Commissioner will gain enhanced authority to demand evidence from social media companies regarding their compliance with the age restrictions. This move comes in response to ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of the ban, as many children reportedly continue to access the restricted platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
The Australian government has acknowledged the challenges in enforcing the ban. A report from the eSafety Commission indicated that approximately 70% of children under 16 who had social media accounts prior to the ban still retained some level of access. This statistic highlights the difficulties faced by regulators in preventing underage users from engaging with these platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his commitment to addressing the issue, stating, "I'm heartened by the shift in conversation and the global momentum we've seen since introducing the social media minimum age, but it's clear big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law." He emphasized that the government is determined to ensure that fewer children are present on social media.
Anika Wells, Australia’s Minister for Communications, echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the current efforts of technology companies to adhere to the regulations. She criticized the platforms for employing minimal compliance strategies, stating, "It is clear to me that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight out of the big tech playbook and doing the bare minimum to get by."
The introduction of the ban in December 2025 was met with significant public interest, but the subsequent challenges in enforcement have raised questions about its efficacy. In February, a BBC report highlighted that many students at a Sydney school who had previously used social media were still able to access their accounts despite the restrictions.
In light of these enforcement difficulties, the Australian government’s decision to increase penalties reflects a commitment to ensuring compliance among social media companies. The enhanced powers granted to the eSafety Commissioner are intended to facilitate more effective investigations and potential enforcement actions against non-compliant platforms.
The Australian initiative has garnered international attention, with other countries considering similar measures. Notably, the UK has announced plans to implement a comparable ban for children under 16, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicating that the legislation could take effect by spring 2027. The UK government has yet to release a complete list of affected platforms but has stated that the ban will target services designed for social interaction that allow user-generated content.
As the global conversation around social media usage and child safety continues to evolve, Australia’s approach may serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The increased penalties and regulatory powers are part of a broader effort to protect young users from the potential harms associated with social media engagement.
In summary, Australia’s decision to double the maximum penalty for social media platforms in breach of the minimum age law underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. As enforcement measures are strengthened, the effectiveness of these regulations will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally.