Australia raises social media fines to $99 million and expands eSafety powers

The Australian government announced that the maximum penalty for breaching the law that bars people under 16 from accessing social‑media platforms will be increased to 99 million Australian dollars, up from 49.5 million. The penalty applies to the five platforms with the largest teenage audiences – Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube – which are now subject to formal investigations by the eSafety Commissioner.

The eSafety Commissioner’s remit has been broadened, allowing the regulator to request data on algorithms, age‑verification systems and internal complaint processes without the previous procedural obstacles. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the move is intended to compel tech firms to do more to protect children from harmful content.

Australia’s action is being watched internationally, with the United Kingdom, France and several U.S. states already discussing similar age‑verification rules. The decision adds pressure on the European Union’s Digital Services Act revision and could shape future global approaches to regulating Big Tech.