Australia is strengthening its ban on social media use by children… (запрет · соцсеть · ребёнок)
Australia is strengthening its ban on social media use by children under 16, following findings that 85% of teenagers continue to use these platforms despite the law that took effect in December 2025. The new measures aim to increase penalties for tech companies and expand regulatory powers to ensure compliance.
Consensus
- Australia has banned social media use for children under 16 since December 2025
- The ban has been largely ineffective, with 85% of teenagers continuing to use social media
- Australia will increase penalties for tech companies that fail to enforce the ban
- The government plans to expand regulatory powers of the eSafety commissioner
Points of divergence
- Maximum fine for companies is 99 million Australian dollars (68 million USD) — fontanka
- Maximum fine for companies is 49.5 million Australian dollars (34 million USD) — vedomosti
- The law will require digital platforms to ensure user safety and prevent harm from algorithms and content — vedomosti
- Canada and the UK are considering similar bans — vedomosti
- Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the ban, saying it pushes teens to use VPNs and access dangerous content — vedomosti
- Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev said UK measures are about internet audience control, not just child protection — vedomosti
- The government will prepare 'stress tests' for underage access algorithms — kommersant
- The government will require IT companies to use advanced biometric technologies for age verification — kommersant
Coverage (3 sources)
- What are your proofs? Australia will strengthen enforcement of its social media ban for children — Фонтанка
- Australia to tighten social media bans for children — Ведомости
- Australia to tighten social media ban for minors due to violations — Коммерсантъ