Australia’s government is tightening its social media ban for under-16s after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said major tech firms are not meeting their legal obligations. Since December, platforms like TikTok and YouTube must take reasonable steps to block minors, but Albanese stated that too many children remain online. Proposed legislation would double the maximum penalty for noncompliant companies to 99 million Australian dollars and grant the eSafety Commissioner greater authority to demand proof of age‑verification efforts. Labor intends to pass the measures before Parliament’s winter break on July 2. The announcement follows a study showing over 85 percent of under‑16s still use restricted platforms, and eSafety is currently investigating five platforms for possible violations.