Australia is doubling penalties for tech firms failing to enforce its child social media ban, as evidence shows limited impact on teen usage. The government is boosting regulator powers to compel companies to prove age verification efforts. Despite over 5 million under-16 accounts deactivated, studies reveal easy circumvention of age checks. Prime Minister Albanese stated big tech isn't doing enough, prompting stricter measures.

Australia will strengthen its social media ban for young people as a priority amid concerns the powers behind the world-first laws are not strong enough.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government is giving priority to strengthening the world's first laws that ban children younger than 16 from social media…