The Australian government has launched an investigation into prominent tech firms, including Meta, TikTok, and Google, for allegedly failing to uphold a critical ban prohibiting users under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. This scrutiny follows alarming findings that a significant proportion of children continue to maintain accounts on popular platforms despite the law’s introduction.
The Ban and Its Implications
In December 2025, Australia implemented stringent legislation aimed at protecting minors from the potential harms of social media by prohibiting users under 16 from creating accounts on various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. This initiative was driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth mental health and wellbeing. However, a recent survey conducted among nearly 900 Australian parents revealed that approximately 31% of respondents indicated their children still possessed social media accounts after the ban was enacted.
Data from the survey painted a stark picture: around 70% of under-16s who previously had accounts on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok managed to retain access, raising serious questions about the efficacy of the new regulations.
Government Response and Industry Practices
In light of these findings, Anika Wells, Australia’s Communications Minister, expressed her dissatisfaction with the tech companies’ compliance efforts. She stated that the platforms have not implemented sufficient measures to enforce the ban effectively. The eSafety Commission, responsible for overseeing online safety, highlighted that the age verification technologies employed by these firms—such as facial recognition—have proven inadequate. Furthermore, the Commission accused the companies of allowing minors to circumvent age checks by repeatedly attempting to verify their age.
Wells remarked, “None of this is impossible. None of this is even difficult for big tech, who are innovative billion-dollar companies. What this update shows is unacceptable. If these companies want to do business in Australia, they must obey Australian laws.”
Survey Findings and Industry Reaction
Despite the government’s claims of a robust response to the ban, the survey results suggest otherwise. The eSafety Commission reported that over 4.7 million social media accounts were deactivated or restricted shortly after the law took effect. However, the absence of detailed statistics on account removals across individual platforms has left many sceptical about the true effectiveness of these measures.
In a statement, Meta asserted its commitment to adhering to the social media ban and collaborating with the government. The company acknowledged the complexities involved in accurately determining users’ ages online but emphasised the need for more rigorous age verification processes. TikTok and Google have yet to comment publicly on the matter.
The Road Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, the Australian government continues to collect evidence to determine whether penalties will be pursued. The maximum fine for non-compliance can reach A$49.5 million (£25.7 million), a significant deterrent for these tech giants. However, Wells has expressed concern that the companies are adopting a strategy of minimisation, seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the regulations.
The eSafety Commission’s report emphasised that, despite a decline in overall account ownership among under-16s, a considerable number of children still access age-restricted platforms. Many parents reported that their children had not received age verification prompts, allowing them to bypass the new rules.
Why it Matters
This investigation highlights a critical intersection of technology, regulation, and child safety in the digital age. As social media becomes increasingly entrenched in the lives of young people, the efficacy of legislative measures aimed at safeguarding minors is under intense scrutiny. The outcome of this inquiry may set significant precedents for how social media platforms operate globally, potentially reshaping policies and practices in the tech industry as governments worldwide grapple with similar challenges. The stakes are high, not only for the companies involved but also for the future of online safety for children across the globe.
