Big Tech Firms Admit Under-16s Still Accessing Social Media Despite Ban

Four major social media platforms, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), TikTok, Snapchat, and Google’s YouTube, have admitted that individuals under 16 are still accessing their services despite a ban. These companies are testifying before the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, which is reviewing a bill to strengthen the social media age minimum enforcement. The proposed legislation aims to double penalties for violations and enhance the eSafety Commissioner’s powers to gather evidence.

• Major social media platforms acknowledge that users under 16 are accessing their services, bypassing existing bans.
• Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are actively working to address this issue.
• The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee is considering the Online Safety Amendment Bill.
• The bill proposes doubling civil penalties for platforms violating the social media ban to $99 million and grants the eSafety Commissioner more power to demand evidence.