Australia’s landmark ban on social media use for children under 16 is facing mounting criticism, with technology providers arguing that weak enforcement by platforms is undermining its effectiveness. The law, introduced in December, requires companies to prevent underage users from accessing their services or face heavy penalties. However, experts say the issue lies not in the technology itself but in how it is applied.

According to industry groups, many platforms still rely on basic measures such as self-declared ages, allowing minors to bypass restrictions. In some cases, users can repeatedly attempt age verification until successful, exposing gaps in enforcement.

Despite millions of suspected underage accounts being removed, regulators report that a significant number of minors continue to access social media. Investigations are ongoing into major platforms for failing to fully comply with the rules.

Tech providers insist that more robust tools, including advanced age-verification systems, are already capable of operating at scale. They argue that better implementation, rather than new technology, is key to enforcing the ban effectively.

With potential fines reaching tens of millions of dollars per violation, Australian authorities are now considering stricter legal action to ensure compliance and strengthen the policy’s impact.