Australia PM: ‘too many children on social media’, ban too easy to avoid

Lead

Australia is escalating its enforcement of the world-first social media ban for under-16s, doubling the maximum penalty for breaches to A$99 million (US$68 million) and granting its internet regulator expanded powers to compel tech companies to show how they are complying. The move comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that "there are still too many children on social media," despite the ban being in force since December 10.

"I'm heartened by the shift in conversation and the global momentum we've seen since introducing the social media minimum age," Albanese said in a statement, "but it's clear big tech are not doing enough to comply with the law."

Coverage comparison

The Guardian and the South China Morning Post both report the core elements of the announcement: the penalty increase from A$49.5 million to A$99 million, the strengthening of the eSafety commissioner's information-gathering powers, and the ongoing investigation into potential breaches by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Both outlets also highlight the government's argument that the ban has had limited effect, citing research suggesting that a majority of under-16s are circumventing the restrictions.

The Guardian frames the story as the government "cracking down" on tech companies, using language like "doubling down" and emphasizing the prime minister's critical tone toward industry. The South China Morning Post takes a more neutral approach, presenting the penalty increase as a response to evidence that the ban hasn't changed teen behavior.

Key claims

• Australia's under-16 social media ban, in effect since December 10, imposes penalties for systematic breaches. The maximum fine will double to A$99 million, aligning with penalties available under competition and consumer law, according to both The Guardian and the South China Morning Post.
• The eSafety commissioner will gain the power to compel social media companies to provide evidence of their efforts to prevent under-16s from opening or using an account, including the ability to demand information from third parties such as age-assurance or app-store providers. This was reported by both sources.
• The commissioner is currently investigating potential breaches by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. This investigation was mentioned in both The Guardian and the South China Morning Post reports.
• Research indicates that more than 80% of under-16s were still using social media three months after the ban came into force, according to The Guardian's report. This figure, cited by the government, has not been independently verified by Tertius News.
• The government says more than 5 million accounts held by under-16s have been removed, deactivated, or restricted since the ban took effect, as reported by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Government perspective: Prime Minister Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells argue that social media platforms are not doing enough to comply with the law. Wells said platforms are "adopting tricks to get by and doing the bare minimum," a claim reported by The Guardian. The government positions Australia as a world leader in online safety for children.

Industry perspective: Tech companies have not yet publicly responded to the latest announcement. In the past, platforms have argued that age verification technology is imperfect and that bans may drive young users to less regulated corners of the internet.

International perspective: The ban is being closely watched by other nations. The Guardian notes growing momentum for similar reforms in countries such as France, the UK, Slovenia, Poland, Spain, Denmark, and Malaysia. The South China Morning Post adds that Britain this month announced plans to extend restrictions to gaming and live-streaming platforms.

The effectiveness of Australia's ban remains a subject of debate. While the government points to the removal of millions of accounts, the research suggesting that most under-16s still access social media raises questions about enforcement and the practicality of age assurance.

As the eSafety commissioner's investigation into the five major platforms unfolds, the doubling of penalties signals that Australia is prepared to escalate its confrontation with big tech. Whether the threat of higher fines will change behavior remains to be seen.