Fines doubled as teens outsmart Australia's world-first social media ban
3 hours ago
- #social media regulation
- #Australia tech policy
- #child safety
- Australia plans to double fines for social media platforms to A$99 million for failing to prevent under-16s from having accounts.
- 70% of children remained active on restricted platforms like Facebook and TikTok three months after the under-16s ban took effect.
- The eSafety Commissioner's powers will be expanded to demand information from platforms and third parties to enforce the ban.
- Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized Big Tech for not complying, stating the scheme is not working as intended.
- The opposition acknowledges the need for reforms but blames the original legislation for being underprepared.