Australia watchdog demands better under-16 ban enforcement from social media

Australia's eSafety regulator has raised serious concerns about compliance with the ban on under-16 access to major social media platforms. According to the watchdog, companies including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube are not effectively enforcing the age restrictions mandated by Australian law.

The warning comes amid growing priority for online child protection by authorities. eSafety has indicated that platforms must enhance their age verification mechanisms and moderation systems to ensure users under 16 cannot create accounts or access inappropriate content.

The named companies now face pressure to demonstrate concrete steps toward regulatory compliance. Non-compliance could lead to significant penalties, as Australia has recently strengthened its online safety laws, granting eSafety increased powers to impose fines and demand changes in platform practices.

This call to action reflects a global trend toward greater social media accountability for protecting young users. Australian authorities expect companies to implement more robust technological solutions and collaborate closely with regulators to create a safer digital environment for minors.