Tech giants face doubled fines for underage social media breaches
Maximum penalties for tech firms breaching the under-16s social media ban jump from $49.5 million to $99 million.
Federal legislation to strengthen penalties for tech firms breaking the underage social media ban has passed Parliament. The Greens and some independent senators backed it.
Maximum penalties for systematic breaches now jump to $99 million for tech giants. Individual executives can face fines up to $364,000.
They can also face jail terms up to 12 months for non-compliance. The amendment gives eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant new powers.
She can now gather information and force companies to prove they are following the rules. The Coalition voted against the changes, calling them government overreach.
Communication Minister Anika Wells said Labor stood with Australian families in protecting children online. The government is also pushing ahead with its Digital Duty of Care bill.
Online games, apps and AI chatbots will be required to protect under-18s from design features that have negative behavioural impacts.
- $49.5 million
- Previous maximum fine
- $99 million
- New maximum fine
- $364,000
- Executive fine limit
- 12 months
- Jail term maximum
Why it mattersTougher penalties give regulators real enforcement power to stop tech companies from profiting off underage users and expose younger people to harmful content.
AustraliaAustralian parents and young people now have stronger legal protection against tech platforms breaking age restrictions, with regulators able to impose meaningful financial consequences.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 14 h ago
