Social media firms must better enforce Australia under-16 ban, watchdog says

Australia’s internet regulator has raised concerns that major social media platforms are failing to adequately enforce a new law restricting access for users under 16. The legislation, which took effect in late December, bans individuals below the age of 16 from 10 platforms, yet the eSafety watchdog reports “significant concerns” about compliance from Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

The law was introduced by campaigners and the government to safeguard children from harmful content and addictive algorithms. It has drawn global attention, with countries like the UK examining whether similar regulations should be adopted. In its initial report since the ban’s implementation, the regulator highlighted “a number of poor practices” by the five platforms, including insufficient data disclosure and incomplete enforcement.

“While social media platforms have taken some initial action, I am concerned through our compliance monitoring that some may not be doing enough to comply with Australian law,” said Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner.

Since the law’s start on December 10, the regulator reported 4.7 million accounts had been restricted or removed in the first month. However, many underage users continue to access the platforms, with some bypassing age verification methods. During a visit to a Sydney school, most students who used social media prior to the ban still had access, citing instances where they weren’t prompted to prove their age or found ways to circumvent the system.

Parents across Australia have largely endorsed the policy, finding it empowering in their efforts to limit children’s social media use. Yet, critics argue the ban may unfairly exclude groups like rural youth, disabled teenagers, and LGBTQ+ adolescents, who rely heavily on online communities. Technology experts also suggest education could be a more effective approach than outright restrictions.

On Tuesday, Inman Grant emphasized that the reform represents a shift from decades of entrenched social media habits. “Durable, generational change takes time,” she noted, “but these platforms have the capability to comply today.” She stressed that parents are vital in this cultural shift, with some expressing confidence in their ability to resist their children’s requests for accounts.

The regulator announced it will now actively enforce the restrictions and collect evidence. “The evidence must show the platform has not implemented appropriate systems and processes,” Grant added, highlighting that mere account restrictions are insufficient. The BBC has sought comments from the affected social media companies to clarify their compliance efforts.