Australia to Strengthen Social Media Restrictions for Under‑16s, Proposes Higher Fines and New Regulator Powers

The Australian government said tech firms are failing to prevent minors under 16 from accessing social media. Officials criticized companies for not doing enough to block youth usage. In response, the government proposed stricter penalties for non‑compliant platforms. Fines for violations would be increased significantly. The plan also grants additional powers to the regulator overseeing online safety. The regulator could enforce compliance and impose the higher fines. The measures aim to protect children from harmful online content. The proposal signals a tougher stance on child safety in digital environments.