The federal government, led by the Labor Party, has unveiled new legislative measures aimed at strengthening Australia’s social media age restrictions for children under 16.

Under existing rules introduced since December, social media platforms are required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from signing up or keeping accounts. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said big tech companies were not doing enough to comply and that too many children remained on social media.

The government’s planned changes would increase enforcement pressure in two main ways. First, maximum penalties for tech companies that fail to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms would be doubled, rising from $49.5 million to $99 million. Second, the eSafety Commissioner—Julie Inman Grant—would receive strengthened powers to compel companies to provide evidence of the steps they have taken to stop young people from gaining accounts.

The proposal also extends compliance obligations to third parties involved in age assurance, including companies providing age verification technology to platforms. These third parties could be compelled to provide information to the eSafety Commissioner as part of enforcement.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said platforms were using “tricks straight out of the big tech playbook” to meet only the minimum requirements, and that the government would “double down” by increasing both scrutiny and the consequences of non-compliance.

The government said more than five million under-16 accounts have been removed, deactivated, or restricted since the ban began, and that five platforms are currently under investigation for potential non-compliance. It is understood Labor intends to legislate the tougher powers and penalties before parliament rises for the winter break on July 2.