Australia: eSafety Commissioner published report on underage social media use focusing on inadequate age verification measures

On 20 February 2025, the Australian eSafety Commissioner published a report highlighting widespread underage social media use and weak enforcement of minimum age policies by major platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The report found that 80% of children aged 8-12 used social media in 2024, often bypassing age restrictions through self-declaration at sign-up, with many platforms lacking robust verification measures. It also highlighted that while some platforms including TikTok and YouTube employed tools to detect underage users, enforcement remained inconsistent, and reporting mechanisms were often inadequate. It was also highlighted that with the government’s minimum age legislation set to take effect by the end of 2025, the Commissioner seeks to consult with industry and stakeholders on compliance measures.