Australia Prepares Legal Action Against Social Media Platforms Over Age Restrictions

Australia is preparing legal action against five major social media platforms over alleged breaches of its under-16 social media restrictions. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the country’s online safety regulator is gathering evidence against Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. The companies could face proceedings in the Federal Court.

Australia introduced its Social Media Minimum Age law in December 2025. It requires covered platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. Companies can use different age-verification methods but must demonstrate that their systems effectively restrict underage access.

The eSafety Commissioner began investigating the five platforms in March. Its compliance review found that significant numbers of children under 16 were still accessing social media. The regulator has since gained stronger investigative powers, including the ability to demand documents and question company executives. Australia has doubled the maximum corporate penalty for breaches to A$109.2 million (approximately US$76 million).

Wells has accused platforms of failing to comply with the legislation and is pushing for stronger enforcement. Australia is also seeking international cooperation on online safety, with Wells holding discussions with officials in countries including the UK, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand.