Social media firms urge caution on early Australia under-16 ban data

Top social media platforms urged the Australian government not to place too much importance on early data indicating most children continue using their products despite a new under-16 ban, as lawmakers consider stricter penalties and broader investigative powers for regulators. Representatives from YouTube owner Google, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, Snapchat and TikTok appeared before a Senate inquiry to address multiple studies, including from Australia's internet regulator, showing approximately 80% of minors were still on social media months after the ban began in December.

The hearing highlighted a persistent disagreement between lawmakers and big tech over the efficacy of the ban, as the eSafety Commissioner is contemplating legal action against certain platforms for allegedly deliberately delaying compliance to deter other regions from adopting similar measures. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the March data suggests platforms are failing to prevent the creation and recreation of accounts but acknowledged the ban is showing early signs of success, citing a slight decrease in underage accounts.

She emphasized that it's premature to rely heavily on the current information. The inquiry is reviewing amendments that would double the maximum penalties to A$99 million and expand the commissioner's authority to demand information and documents from platforms and their third-party age verification partners during investigations.