Overview
- Australia’s world‑first law banning under‑16 accounts took effect in December 2025, but eSafety and independent studies found many teenagers still access platforms through fake accounts, reused credentials, VPNs and other workarounds.
- The government bill introduced on June 29 would double maximum fines to A$99 million and give the eSafety Commissioner broader rights to compel internal documents and third‑party records such as age‑verification vendor data.
- X formally submitted objections to a Senate committee on July 29 that say the discovery powers could force non‑Australian affiliates to hand over documents and would conflict with international legal principles, a point amplified by Elon Musk.
- The eSafety Commissioner says the regulator is preparing potential lawsuits against five platforms but that limited powers, especially the inability to compel third‑party age‑verification records, are slowing investigations.
- The dispute has drawn U.S. scrutiny with a congressional committee seeking testimony from the eSafety Commissioner, and the Australian Senate committee will report on August 25, a decision that could shape global rules on cross‑border tech regulation.