Fines up to $109m as Labor tightens under-16s social media ban

Labor doubles fines to up to $109.2 million for companies failing to enforce the under-16s ban and plans algorithm opt-out laws.

Why it mattersTougher enforcement and algorithmic transparency aim to reduce social media harm to younger Australians and give all users more control over what they see.

AustraliaEvery tech company operating in Australia will face higher penalties and may be forced to offer algorithm opt-outs, changing how feeds work for Australian users under 16.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago

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Australians offered choice to disable social media algorithms

Users will choose between algorithm feeds or accounts they pick themselves.

Why it mattersUsers would control what content reaches them instead of letting algorithms decide alone.

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

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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.