Australia Strengthens Social Media Regulations to Enforce U-16 BanInstagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Reddit applications are displayed on a mobile phone in this picture illustration taken on Dec. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/Illustration/File Photo © ReutersCANBERRA – The Australian government will double penalties for social media companies that bypass the restriction on allowing children under 16 to use their platforms, while simultaneously expanding the powers of its regulatory body to improve enforcement of age-based restrictions.