Australia Targets Social Media
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to double fines for social media companies that fail to keep under-16s off their platforms at a press conference in Canberra on Monday.
“It’s clear that big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law, and there are still too many children on social media,” he said. “We’ll introduce legislation this afternoon that goes further to ensure social media companies are doing everything within their power to stop children under 16 being on their platforms.”
“We’re doubling the fines. We’re giving the eSafety Commissioner world-leading powers to compel them to comply. This is the right thing to do,” Albanese continued. “Next week our nation’s children are heading on their school holidays, and we want them on the football fields, on the netball courts, not on their phones.”
Tougher Penalties Proposed
The proposed changes would raise the maximum penalty for systematic non-compliance from A$49.5 million (around US$34 million) to A$99 million (around US$68 million).
Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions came into force on December 10, 2025, barring children from holding accounts on major platforms and putting the responsibility for enforcement on tech companies.
Global Attention On Rules
However, many children are still getting around the ban, with seven in 10 under-16s maintaining ‘access’ to their social media accounts, according to the eSafety Commissioner.
Several other countries are now weighing similar restrictions, including the UK, Malaysia, Spain, France, Greece and the United Arab Emirates.
Article by Viory
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
