Australia proposes doubling fines on social media firms over under-16s ban compliance
DW News segment examines Australia's under-16 social media age restriction law, effective December 2025, which requires platforms to prevent accounts for those under 16 or face penalties. It reports a recent BMJ study showing over 85% of under-16s still accessing platforms via fake ages or own accounts, prompting government plans to double maximum fines to nearly 100 million AUD. Expert Belinda Barnet discusses weak enforcement, platform workarounds, age verification options, and early behavioral changes by companies like Roblox. The report also notes similar measures in other countries and includes teen reactions.
Source: DW News