Australia ‘Doubles Down’ on Under-16 Social Media Ban, Doubles Fines to $99 Million

Australia’s Labor government is strengthening its ban on social media access for individuals under 16, doubling the associated fines and enhancing information-gathering capabilities. This legislation, initially passed in December 2025, aims to protect children from inappropriate content and combat issues like bullying and addiction. Several other nations have begun implementing similar bans, inspired by Australia’s measures which required major social media platforms to block users under 16.

• Australia is increasing penalties and regulatory powers related to its ban on under-16s accessing social media.
• The ban was first enacted in December 2025 to prevent children from viewing age-inappropriate content and address bullying and addiction.
• Fines for non-compliance are being doubled.
• Large social media companies are mandated to prevent users under 16 from accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, and Reddit.
• Other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom have started implementing their own bans.