Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Ineffective as Children Evade Age Checks
A recent report has uncovered that children in Australia are continuing to access social media platforms despite the nationwide ban for those under 16, primarily because companies are failing to implement robust age verification systems during sign-up. The findings highlight a significant gap in enforcement, allowing underage users to create accounts from the outset without proper checks.
Major Platforms Under Scrutiny for Non-Compliance
Key social media giants, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, are currently under investigation by the eSafety Commissioner. The commissioner is actively gathering evidence that could lead to potential enforcement actions against these platforms for not adhering to the legal requirements.
Communications Minister Annika Wells emphasized on Tuesday that while there have been numerous reports of children circumventing the restrictions, the ultimate responsibility rests with the technology companies themselves. "We've all heard stories of kids getting around the ban, so we're doing something about it," Wells stated. "Big tech is responsible for this, and big tech will be held accountable for this."
Widespread Bypassing of Restrictions Through Various Methods
A survey conducted recently indicates that approximately 70 percent of children are successfully bypassing the social media restrictions. They employ a range of tactics to evade detection, such as:
- Using virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their location
- Providing false birthdates during account creation
- Borrowing identification from older individuals
- Utilizing inexpensive masks or other deceptive tools
The report underscores that the issue extends beyond children merely finding loopholes; it also involves platforms failing to enforce the rules effectively from the start. Wells criticized the current practices, noting, "It is not good enough for big tech to offer kids multiple attempts to get in through photo scanning."
Government Moves Toward Legal Action and Enforcement
The Australian government has dedicated several months to building a comprehensive evidence base to support enforcement measures. This groundwork is now paving the way for legal actions against non-compliant platforms. Wells confirmed, "Enforcement action has begun, we are building the evidence case, and the eSafety Commissioner can take you to court."
The landmark social media ban, which took effect on December 10, 2025, was designed to protect children from online harms, including exposure to addictive features and harmful content. Under the legislation, platforms are mandated to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines, reaching up to $50 million.
As the eSafety Commissioner continues its investigations, the focus remains on holding technology companies accountable and ensuring the safety of young users in the digital landscape. The ongoing efforts aim to strengthen age verification processes and close the gaps that have allowed widespread non-compliance.
