Australia’s online safety regulator has signalled possible legal action against major social media platforms, alleging they are failing to prevent children under 16 from accessing their services.
Watchdog raises compliance concerns
The country’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said authorities are reviewing whether platforms like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Snap Inc., TikTok and Alphabet Inc. (YouTube) have taken adequate steps to comply with new laws.
The legislation, effective from December 10, bans children under 16 from holding social media accounts.
Millions removed, but gaps remain
While around 5 million Australian accounts have reportedly been deactivated, the watchdog noted that many underage users continue to create new accounts or bypass age verification systems.
Authorities flagged “poor practices,” including allowing repeated attempts to pass age checks and prompting underage users to retry verification.
Government accuses platforms
Communications Minister Anika Wells criticised companies, accusing them of doing the “bare minimum” to comply with the law.
She said the legislation is among the first of its kind globally, and its success could influence similar policies in other countries.
Legal action and penalties
Courts may impose fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately ₹275 crore) for systemic failures. A decision on initiating legal proceedings is expected by midyear.
Industry response and challenges
Companies have defended their efforts, stating that verifying age online remains a complex challenge. Experts note that courts will ultimately determine what qualifies as “reasonable steps” under the law.
A global precedent in the making
The move marks a significant step in regulating children’s access to digital platforms, with potential implications worldwide as governments grapple with online safety concerns.