Social media firms face $109m fines for under-16s access

The government's Senate bill imposes $109.2 million fines on social media companies that fail to stop under-16s using their platforms.

Why it mattersMassive fines aim to force social media companies to actually enforce Australia's under-16 ban.

AustraliaAustralian families will see tighter enforcement of the under-16 social media ban, with companies facing significant penalties for non-compliance.

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago

Next in today's edition

File image: Hand pointing at screen displaying social media wall posts and user profiles.

✓ InnovationausPower & Policy

Australia shrugs off US criticism of social media algorithm opt-out plan

Australia introduced draft laws letting users opt out of social media algorithms. The country brushed aside Trump administration concerns about free speech.

Why it mattersAustralian social media users could soon control how their feeds work. But the policy faces pressure from other countries. Those countries worry about its impact on free expression.