Australia strengthens social median ban enforcement with tougher big tech powers

Australia has introduced new legislation to strengthen enforcement of its under-16 social media ban, granting the country's internet regulator greater powers to pursue technology companies that fail to comply, as reported by Reuters.

The proposed laws, introduced to parliament on Monday, come six months after the world-first social media restrictions came into effect in December. The move follows evidence suggesting that many children are still able to access restricted platforms despite the ban.

The legislation is expected to be closely watched internationally, with dozens of countries either considering or developing similar laws to protect children online.

Government crackdown

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said too many children continued to access social media and accused technology companies of failing to meet their obligations.

"We're calling time on the social media companies today and doubling down on the changes that we have made and that we're prepared to make," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

"Today, 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."

Albanese also urged the Coalition to support the legislation, noting that the original under-16 social media ban received bipartisan backing.

Expanded regulator powers

Under the proposed changes, the maximum penalty for non-compliance would double from A$49.5 million to A$99 million.

The legislation would also expand the powers of Australia's eSafety Commissioner, allowing the regulator to compel companies to provide documents including board minutes and internal emails. The government said these powers would help build stronger legal cases against platforms that fail to comply with the law.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the strengthened powers were necessary to ensure technology companies could be held accountable.

Compliance concerns

The eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating possible non-compliance by five major platforms: Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Google's YouTube.

Meta, Google and Snapchat did not immediately comment on the proposed legislation, while TikTok declined to comment.

Introducing the bill to parliament, Wells accused social media companies of deliberately undermining Australia's child protection measures.

"Today Australia is sending a message to those companies: we see what you're doing, we are not here to play games. If you want to do business in Australia, you will comply with Australian laws. And if you don't, you will face the consequences," she said.

Public support

Sydney resident Bill Wright welcomed the government's tougher stance, saying stronger enforcement was needed to ensure companies followed the law.

"We may be leading the world in some of the problem-solving but obviously we've got a lot more to do," he said.

"The money that we are going to be trying to fine companies for not doing the right thing still may be not enough."

The legislation must now pass parliament before the expanded enforcement powers and higher penalties can take effect.