Story perspectives

Australia Doubles Fines, Boosts Powers to Block Under-16 Users

6/29/2026

Summary

Australia Doubles Fines

Australia will double the maximum fine for platforms that allow under-16 users, raising it from 49.5 million to 99 million Australian dollars (34.1 million USD to 68.3 million USD).
The eSafety Commissioner will gain powers to require platforms to prove they block under-age users.
A University of Newcastle study showed 85 percent of under-16s kept using social media three months after the December 2025 ban, with government aiming to pass legislation before Parliament’s winter recess Thursday.

Summary

Reddit Challenges Ban

The amendment will let the eSafety Commissioner request documents from age-check companies, platforms, age-assurance services and app stores.
The industry body for tech suppliers says enforcement problems stem from platforms' weak age-check tool deployment.
Reddit has filed a High Court case in Australia to overturn the under-16 ban, which the government will defend.
The prime minister's office said the amendment's introduction date to parliament is not yet set.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998, effective April 21 2000, obligating the FTC to enforce parental-consent rules for users under 13. The agency can levy $40,000 per violation, a penalty that has driven criticism of the law’s effectiveness and spurred ongoing debates on age-verification standards in the digital economy.

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Australia Doubles Fines

Australia will double the maximum fine for platforms that allow under-16 users, raising it from 49.5 million to 99 million Australian dollars (34.1 million USD to 68.3 million USD).
The eSafety Commissioner will gain powers to require platforms to prove they block under-age users.
A University of Newcastle study showed 85 percent of under-16s kept using social media three months after the December 2025 ban, with government aiming to pass legislation before Parliament’s winter recess Thursday.

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