Platforms failing to block underage users as Australia sues Facebook, TikTok
An eSafety report found most underage users still hold active accounts despite the 2025 ban.
Australia's government is suing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. Australia's government says these firms failed to stop under-16 users from accessing social media.
The law requires platforms to take reasonable steps to block minors. In July, the eSafety Commissioner found most underage users kept their old accounts or made new ones.
The platforms lack good age checks. Communications Minister Anika Wells said legal action will go ahead.
The government doubled the biggest fines to A$109.2 million and gave the eSafety Commissioner new power to demand documents and call former workers as witnesses.
- A$109.2 million
- Maximum fine per breach
- 5
- Platforms sued
- 2025
- Ban year
Why it mattersThe platforms' non-compliance shows whether Australia's world-first youth protection law has teeth or just threatens fines platforms can afford to treat as a cost.
AustraliaAustralian parents wanting protection for children under 16 will see if the courts can force tech companies to actually enforce the ban they've largely ignored.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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