Australia doubles social media ban penalty amid concerns over teen usage · 1 source tracked

Australia is strengthening its social media ban for minors by doubling the maximum penalty for non-compliant tech firms to A$99 million (US$68 million). The government is also enhancing the powers of its internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, to compel platforms to provide evidence of their efforts to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. Despite the six-month-old ban, evidence suggests it has had minimal impact on teen social media usage, with a British study indicating 85% of 12- to 15-year-olds still used platforms three months after the ban's implementation. The eSafety Commissioner is currently investigating five major platforms for potential non-compliance. AI

IMPACT This policy shift highlights growing global concerns about the impact of AI-driven social media on youth mental health, potentially influencing future platform design and regulation.

RANK_REASON Significant policy change by a national government regarding social media regulation. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.4]

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• Anthony Albanese
• Australia
• Facebook
• Great Britain
• Instagram
• Office of the eSafety Commissioner
• Snapchat
• TikTok
• YouTube

• policy

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