Australia toughens kids’ social media ban, doubles potential penalties for tech firms
Summary
Australia is doubling the maximum penalty for tech firms failing to uphold its social media ban for under-16s and strengthening the eSafety Commissioner's powers amid concerns the ban has had little effect.
Key Points
- Australia will double the maximum penalty for tech firms that fail to uphold the social media ban for under-16s from A$49.5 million to A$99 million.
- The eSafety Commissioner will have enhanced powers to compel social media companies to provide evidence of compliance with the under-16s ban.
- More than 5 million under-16 social media accounts have been deactivated or restricted since the ban's introduction.
- Studies show that many underage users circumvent the ban by self-declaring an age over 16 or submitting selfies accepted as proof of age.
