Ask Onix
Regulator flags major gaps in under-16 ban enforcement
Australia's internet watchdog has accused the world's largest social media companies of failing to adequately block children under 16 from their platforms, despite a law enacted late last year.
The eSafety Commissioner revealed "significant concerns" about compliance from Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube in its first report since the restrictions took effect on December 10.
Law sparks global interest but faces enforcement hurdles
The Australian legislation, which prohibits users under 16 from accessing 10 platforms, has drawn attention from countries like the UK as a potential model for protecting minors from harmful content and addictive algorithms.
While the government and campaigners argue the ban is necessary, tech firms such as Meta and Snap have criticized the approach, though they claim to be working toward compliance.
Regulator uncovers 'poor practices' across platforms
The eSafety Commissioner's report highlighted several compliance failures, including insufficient age verification measures. In January, the regulator noted that 4.7 million accounts had been restricted or removed in the first month of enforcement.
"While social media platforms have taken some initial action, I am concerned through our compliance monitoring that some may not be doing enough to comply with Australian law."
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner
The regulator will now shift from monitoring to active enforcement, requiring platforms to prove they have implemented "reasonable steps" to prevent underage access.
Tech firms defend efforts amid industry-wide challenges
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, stated it is "committed to complying with Australia's social media ban" but called accurate age verification an "industry-wide challenge." The company argued that app store-level controls, such as parental approval, would be more effective.
Snap, the developer of Snapchat, reported locking 450,000 accounts and continues to restrict more daily. The BBC has reached out to all affected companies for further comment.
Students bypass restrictions, raising enforcement doubts
Despite the ban's high-profile introduction, many under-16s remain active on the restricted platforms. A recent BBC visit to a Sydney school found most students who used social media before the ban still had access, with some admitting they evaded age checks or were never asked to verify their age.
One student claimed only three out of 180 girls in her year group had been removed from platforms, underscoring the law's limited impact so far.
Parents back ban, but critics highlight unintended consequences
Many Australian parents support the policy, citing government backing as helpful in resisting pressure from pre-teens eager to join social media. However, critics argue the ban is difficult to enforce and disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including rural children, disabled teenagers, and LGBTQ+ youth, who often rely on online communities.
Child welfare advocates and technology experts contend that education on platform risks would be more effective than outright bans.
Regulator calls for 'generational change' in social media practices
"Durable, generational change takes time-but these platforms have the capability to comply today."
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner
Inman Grant emphasized that while platforms bear responsibility, parents play a crucial role in shifting cultural norms. She noted that some parents feel empowered by the law to deny their children access to social media, framing the reform as part of a broader pushback against entrenched industry interests.
