Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Tech firms urge caution on Australia under-16 ban data
Australia made a new rule that says kids under 16 cannot use social media like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube.
The rule started in December.
Many months later, grown-ups checked and found that around 8 out of 10 kids were still using social media.
The companies that run these apps were asked to come talk to the government about it.
The companies said the government should not make big decisions from this early information yet.
Government people and the companies disagree about whether the rule is working.
Australia's internet safety office is thinking about taking legal action against some companies.
It says some companies are moving very slowly on purpose so other countries won't copy the rule.
Lawmakers are also thinking about giving regulators stronger powers and bigger penalties.
Social media firms urged Australia not to overweigh early evidence showing most children still use their products despite the under-16 ban.
Studies, including from Australia's internet regulator, show about 80% of minors were still on social media months after the ban took effect.
Local heads of YouTube owner Google, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, Snapchat and TikTok fronted a Senate inquiry.
Lawmakers are weighing tougher penalties and investigative powers for regulators.
The eSafety Commissioner is considering legal action, accusing some platforms of deliberately slow-walking compliance.
- Who
- Local heads of Google, Meta, Snapchat and TikTok; Australian lawmakers; and the eSafety Commissioner.
- What
- Social media firms cautioned the government against relying on early evidence showing about 80% of minors still use their platforms despite the under-16 ban, while lawmakers weigh tougher penalties and regulator powers.
- When
- Months after the under-16 ban took effect in December 2025.
- Where
- Australia, at a Senate inquiry.
- Why
- Lawmakers and regulators disagree with platforms over whether the ban is working and whether companies are complying.
Lawmakers and Regulators
Social Media Platforms
Is the under-16 ban working?
Lawmakers and Regulators
Studies showing about 80% of minors still using social media months after the ban indicate the ban is not working.
Social Media Platforms
The government should not place too much weight on early evidence of the ban's effectiveness.
Platform compliance
Lawmakers and Regulators
The eSafety Commissioner accuses some platforms of deliberately slow-walking compliance to discourage other jurisdictions from copying the ban.
Social Media Platforms
Platforms urged caution on early data showing most children still use their products.
- Subject
- Australia's under-16 social media ban
- Ban effective
- December 2025
- Minors still using platforms
- About 80%
- Platforms involved
- Google/YouTube, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Snapchat, TikTok
- Forum
- Australian Senate inquiry
- Regulator
- eSafety Commissioner
- Under consideration
- Tougher penalties, investigative powers, and possible legal action against platforms
- Allegation
- Deliberate slow-walking of compliance to discourage other jurisdictions