Australia has directed major social platforms to report how they are enforcing bans on accounts for users under 16. Regulators want details on verification methods, enforcement steps, timelines and outcomes. The move underscores growing government concern about child safety online and signals potential further action if progress is insufficient.
Australia Demands Social Media Giants Report Progress on Bans for Under-16 Accounts
Australia has ordered major social media platforms to provide updates on how they are implementing bans on accounts for users under 16, reflecting growing government concern about online harms to children.
Regulators Want Clear Progress Reports. The directive asks platforms to detail the steps they have taken to enforce age restrictions, the technical and policy changes made, and timelines for full implementation. Authorities expect regular updates to monitor compliance and assess whether additional measures are needed.
Why This Matters
Policymakers cite rising concerns about child safety, exposure to harmful content, and the difficulty of verifying users' ages online. By requiring formal reports, the government aims to hold platforms accountable and push for stronger protections for young people who use social media.
What Platforms Are Expected To Do
- Describe verification methods and moderation processes used to restrict under-16 accounts.
- Provide timelines and milestones for rolling out any technical or policy changes.
- Report on enforcement results, including the number of accounts affected and any compliance challenges.
While the move stops short of immediate sanctions, regulators have signaled they will continue monitoring progress and could take further action if platforms fail to deliver meaningful protections. The measure forms part of a wider global trend of governments pressing tech companies to address online harms and improve children’s digital safety.
