Albanese government to double social media ban fines to $99m
Social media companies that fail to enforce Australia’s ban on children could face $99 million in fines after plans to double fines were announced.
The Albanian government has announced tougher penalties for social media companies found to be failing to prevent people under the age of 16 from creating and publishing profiles.
Following the new law, which came into force on December 10 last year, those who currently violate the ban can be fined up to $49.5 million.
But the government has now announced it will double the maximum penalty and give online security watchdogs more powers to hold firms to account.
Since its implementation last year, more than five million accounts of under-16s have been deleted in Australia; but the government says more needs to be done.
“Australia leads the world in our efforts to keep children and young people safe online,” said Anthony Albanese.
“I’m encouraged by the shift in conversation and the global momentum we’re seeing, but it’s clear that big tech isn’t doing enough to comply; there are still too many kids on social media.
“These changes reflect how seriously we take social media companies’ failure to comply with our world-leading laws.”
As well as tougher fines, the government is also introducing measures that will allow the eSafety Commissioner to force firms to provide evidence of what they are doing to stop under-16s evading the ban.
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are also currently being investigated for potential incompatibility.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said she was not convinced tech companies were doing enough.
“Based on the regular updates I receive from the eSafety Commissioner, it is clear to me that social media platforms are adopting tricks straight from big tech’s playbook and doing the bare minimum of effort necessary to get by,” he said.
“In response, I am ensuring the regulator has stronger tools to get the job done and doubling penalties for non-compliance.
“These new penalties and powers show we won’t back down. Instead, we’re doubling down.”
