Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
20 April, 2026, 7:23 pm
Central - 23°C Clouds
IN DEPTH
20 April, 2026, 7:23 pm Central - 23°C Clouds

Australia steps up enforcement of under-16 social media ban

Australia steps up enforcement of under-16 social media ban

By Nilufa Buksh
31/03/2026
Source: BBC News

Australia’s internet regulator says major social media platforms are still falling short in enforcing the country’s ban on users under 16.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has raised concerns about Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, citing weak age verification systems and gaps that allow children to bypass restrictions.

The regulator will now move to enforcement, focusing on whether companies are taking reasonable steps to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms.

Despite the law coming into effect in December, many under-16s continue to use social media, with some able to avoid age checks.

More than 4.7 million accounts were restricted or removed in the first month of the ban.

While the policy has strong support from parents, critics say it may be difficult to enforce and could impact vulnerable groups.

The move is being closely watched by other countries considering similar laws.

Source: BBC News 

FEATURE NEWS
Jone Vakarisi's death classified as murder
The investigation into the death of drug convict, Jone Vakarisi has been classified as murder.Police investigators are in the process of gathering inf...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Supervisor of Elections to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday.The show will focus on the ...
16 minutes ago

FTUC wants unionists to be allowed to contest elections, and raises concerns over military role and coup immunity in Constitution
The Fiji Trades Union Congress wants unionists to be allowed to contest the general elections, and has also raised concerns about the 2013 ...
2 hours ago

Hibiscus Festival 2026 to return to Albert Park
Hibiscus Festival 2026 is going back to its original home at Albert Park, marking a historic milestone as Fiji’s most iconic community event ...
2 hours ago

Tui Labasa calls for suspension of rights for drug offenders
Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate says those involved in the dealing, trafficking, manufacturing, or importing drugs should have their rights immediately ...
2 hours ago

11 communities in Tavua receive over $74,000 in grants for grassroots development projects
11 community-based organisations in Tavua have received grants from the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, led by Minister Charan Jeath Singh, with a ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Drug lord Jone Vakarisi dies in military custody as investigations find unauthorised weapons outside RFMF inventory
Druglord, Jone Vakarisi has died in militsry custoday, 3 other associates have been released after questioning, 1 RFMF personnel remains in military ...
2 hours ago

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's State Funeral
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva ...
4 days ago

TC Vaianu Coverage
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging the public to remain alert, prepared, and watch out for one another as Tropical Cyclone ...
11 days ago

TOP