The federal government has introduced legislative changes to combat social media platforms violating age-based bans, doubling fines to $99 million and expanding the eSafety commissioner’s investigative powers, experts warn must take a firmer stance to ensure compliance.
Research indicates over 80% of under-16 users continue accessing social media despite the government’s December 10 ban, with more than 5 million accounts already removed or restricted since enforcement began.
Dr. Catherine Page Jeffery, a media and communications lecturer at the University of Sydney, emphasized that doubling penalties alone is insufficient without stronger enforcement.
“There’s little value in increasing fines if regulators don’t actively pursue violations,” she stated. “Moving into ‘enforcement mode’ is critical”
She advocated for digital duty of care laws to require platforms to proactively mitigate harm, including algorithmic transparency and safeguards to protect user data.
Dr. Page Jeffery criticized the ban for disproportionately limiting young people’s online access rather than addressing systemic platform accountability.
“Excluding minors shifts responsibility onto them, while holding platforms accountable ensures safer environments,” she said, urging the government to prioritize duty-of-care frameworks over age-based restrictions.
In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended the measures, stating, “The safety of our children cannot be compromised by tech giants evading regulation.” He confirmed forthcoming legislation will formalize these measures, aligning penalties with competition law fines.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called the policy an “embarrassing admission of failure” by the government, stressing that regulating algorithms—not just access—is essential.
“Anika Wells’ initial oversight was chaotic, undermining child safety,” she asserted.
Recent studies by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute linked heavy social media use to poor mental health, particularly among 12- to 13-year-olds, though age restrictions alone cannot fully address these risks.
Social media giants including TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat declined to comment. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant’s expanded role aims to bridge enforcement gaps, though skeptics question her capacity to regulate multinational corporations effectively.
Experts call for balancing youth protection with systemic platform accountability, advocating for algorithms that minimize exposure to harmful content through binding duty-of-care obligations.
