The Australian government is currently intensifying efforts to pass legislation aimed at regulating social media access for minors. Communications Minister Anika Wells has called upon the Coalition and the Greens to support the passage of a bill that would strengthen the authority of the eSafety Commissioner. The proposed measures are designed to provide the Commissioner with enhanced information-gathering powers to investigate whether social media platforms are adhering to a proposed ban on usage for children under the age of 16.

Central to the government’s proposal is a significant increase in financial consequences for non-compliance. If passed, the legislation would double the maximum penalty for breaches, raising the potential fine to nearly $110 million. The government is aiming to secure a vote on the bill within the current parliamentary week. This legislative push follows a recommendation from a Senate committee in August, which advised that the bill be passed. The Albanese government originally introduced the legislation over two months ago, and officials are now signaling an urgency to finalize the framework. While the government frames this as a necessary step to protect minors, the legislative process remains subject to the cooperation of opposition parties in the Senate.