Australia Weighs Tougher Under-16 Social Media Ban as PM Reviews eSafety Commissioner's Powers
Updated
Updated · ABC News · Jun 26
Australia Weighs Tougher Under-16 Social Media Ban as PM Reviews eSafety Commissioner's Powers
3 articles · Updated · ABC News · Jun 26
Summary
Anthony Albanese said the federal government will strengthen enforcement of Australia’s under-16 social media ban if needed, after concerns the current legal framework is too weak.
The review is focused on whether the eSafety Commissioner has enough powers to police the rules and whether the laws can better curb what Albanese called “unaccountable” tech giants.
Since December, platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch, Kick and X have been legally required to block under-16s and take reasonable steps to verify age.
The push would tighten a world-first regime that the eSafety Commissioner has warned rests on “very thin scaffolding,” signalling further changes could come as enforcement is tested.