Australia tightens Big Tech crackdown as under-16 social media ban evasion rises

Australia will double the penalties for social media platforms that fail to keep under-16s off their services, increasing the maximum fine from 49.5 million to 99 million AUD and granting the eSafety Commissioner stronger enforcement powers. The government cites ongoing evasion via older accounts, fake profiles, and private browsers, and is targeting Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Critics say evidence on the ban’s effectiveness is mixed, while regulators insist platforms must take reasonable steps, including age checks and possible government ID verification, to protect minors.