Albanese Vows Tougher Laws as Study Shows Social Media Ban Fails

A peer-reviewed study from the University of Newcastle, published in The BMJ on June 25, 2026, reveals that Australia's world-first social media ban for users under 16 has had limited success. Implemented in December 2025, the Social Media Minimum Age Act intended to restrict platforms such as TikTok, Meta, and YouTube. However, researchers found that 85% of adolescents under 16 continue to use these platforms, frequently bypassing age verification through self-declaration, fake accounts, or private browsers.

Anthony Albanese responded to the findings by announcing plans in parliament to strengthen the ban and broaden online safety laws. The Prime Minister cited rising physical violence against young women and the prevalence of AI-powered nudify apps as drivers for tougher measures. The government is now considering a digital duty of care to increase the accountability of technology companies, which face potential fines of up to Aus$49.5 million for non-compliance.

While Communications Minister Anika Wells maintains that big tech companies are failing to obey existing laws, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has described the current restrictions as a blunt force approach. The Australian experience is being closely monitored by other nations, including the UK, France, and the UAE, as they develop their own age-based restrictions. UK officials have suggested that stricter age-assurance measures will be necessary to avoid the circumvention issues observed in Australia.