Australia’s online safety regulator has raised serious concerns that major technology platforms, including Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, are failing to adequately enforce the country’s pioneering ban on social media accounts for children under sixteen.

The warning follows the release of the first compliance report since the law took effect in December 2025. While authorities confirmed that roughly five million accounts linked to underage users have been removed or restricted, the findings show that a substantial number of children continue to access social media services.

Survey data collected from hundreds of parents indicates that a large proportion of under-sixteen users who had accounts prior to the ban have retained access.

Many children have either kept existing accounts, created new ones, or successfully navigated age verification systems that appear insufficiently robust.

The regulator identified several weaknesses in platform enforcement practices.

These include allowing repeated attempts to pass age checks, failing to block users who have already declared themselves underage, and maintaining systems that do not effectively prevent re-entry after account removal.

Such gaps, officials argue, undermine the intent of the legislation.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has stated that there are significant concerns about whether companies are taking the “reasonable steps” required under the law.

As a result, authorities are gathering evidence that could lead to enforcement action, including court proceedings against non-compliant platforms.

Financial penalties for systemic failures could reach up to forty-nine point five million Australian dollars.

Government leaders have emphasized that the policy represents a world-leading effort to protect young people online.

Officials argue that strong enforcement is essential not only for domestic outcomes but also for maintaining momentum among other countries considering similar safeguards.

Technology companies have responded by acknowledging the complexity of verifying user age at scale, while maintaining that they are working to comply with the rules.

Some have pointed to broader industry challenges and called for coordinated solutions, including potential involvement from app store operators.

The developments mark a critical phase in the implementation of Australia’s digital safety framework, with the coming months expected to determine whether the landmark law can achieve effective enforcement or require further regulatory strengthening.