Australia’s government is preparing to take major social media platforms to court, alleging they have failed to keep users under 16 off their apps. Communications Minister Anika Wells told Bloomberg that legal action is planned against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. She said evidence is currently being gathered for proceedings in the federal court.
The laws took effect in December 2025, making Australia the first nation to impose such strict limits on teen access to social media. They allow authorities to seek financial penalties from platforms that fall short of the standard. After the rollout, companies reported removing or suspending hundreds of thousands of suspected underage accounts. Yet early assessments suggested most under-16s were still using social apps.
Why “Reasonable Steps” Is Under Scrutiny
Platforms are required to take “reasonable steps” to keep young users out. That wording has raised concerns that it could give companies room to avoid liability. The government also offered no single recommended method for verifying age, pointing instead to several acceptable options. Court action could now test how far that standard stretches in practice.
Penalties have also been raised. Australia has doubled the maximum fine for breaches of the minimum age law, meaning platforms could face penalties of up to $70 million for confirmed violations.
What Comes Next for Platforms
Higher stakes and active enforcement may push companies toward more thorough age-assurance systems. The case also arrives amid wider international attention on Australia’s approach. The US recently opposed the country’s proposed social media restrictions, while Australia has separately moved to let users opt out of algorithms.
For social media managers and marketers, the outcome could signal how access to teen audiences will be regulated elsewhere. Any ruling is likely to be closely watched by regulators worldwide who are weighing similar rules.