Technology and Science30 March, 20261 min read
Australian Regulator Investigates Facebook, TikTok Over Under-16 Ban
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Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are under investigation for under-16 ban non-compliance. Under-16 ban took effect late last year.
eSafety Threatens Enforcement
Australia's eSafety Commissioner announced formal investigations into five platforms for potential non-compliance. The regulator identified a number of poor practices. eSafety is moving into an enforcement stance.
Platforms Facilitate Repeat Age Claims
Children who declared they were under 16 were given the chance to show they were over 16. Under-16s were enabled to repeatedly attempt the same age assurance method. The government has put social media giants on notice.
Fines Up to $49.5 Million Possible
Enforcement action could lead to fines of up to $49.5 million per breach. Some platforms plan to use AI tools to estimate ages. Malaysia, France, and New Zealand eye similar measures.
Global Attention on Australia's Law
Australia's minimum age social media law is the first of its kind. The law requires platforms to verify all users are 16 or older. There are ineffective pathways for parents to report underage users.