Australia Considers AUD 109 Million Fine for Social Media Platforms Failing to Protect Under-18 Users

Scope of Penalties The draft law allows platforms that fail to protect users under 18 to pay fines of up to AUD 109 million (about USD 78 million).
Penalties cover failure to safeguard user data, lack of content filtering, and manipulation of young users.
Algorithm Transparency Law The law requires users to be able to refuse automatic content recommendation algorithms based on personal preferences.
This aims to reduce the risk of manipulation of young users.
Prime Minister's Statements “The government has acted in response to growing public concern,” the Prime Minister said.
“We reaffirm our determination to end the exploitation of Australian children's data.” Next Steps The draft bill will be debated in parliament and, once approved, will come into force.
Platforms will need to adopt technical and administrative measures to comply with the new regulations.