Australia Investigates Meta, TikTok and Google Over Under‑16 Social Media Rules

Australia Investigates Meta, TikTok and Google Over Under‑16 Social Media Rules
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Australia’s online safety regulator is investigating whether major tech companies, including Meta, TikTok and Google, have failed to enforce a new law that bans social media use for children under 16.

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires platforms to take steps to prevent under‑16s from opening or keeping accounts. The law came into effect in late 2025.

A recent survey of nearly 900 Australian parents found that about 31 percent reported their children still have active social media accounts even after the ban, down from 49 percent before the law was introduced. This suggests challenges in enforcing the age restrictions.

Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, has said that the companies have not done enough to comply with the law. The online safety regulator has warned that if platforms fail to meet their obligations, it may pursue legal action and fines of up to AUD 49.5 million.