In a move that signals a seismic shift in regulatory attitudes towards Big Tech, Australia is set to double the maximum penalty for social media platforms that breach its online safety laws. The announcement comes as the UK government signals a similar crackdown, raising the prospect of transatlantic coordination on holding tech giants accountable.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, confirmed that the maximum penalty for failing to remove illegal content like terrorist propaganda and child sexual abuse material would rise from A$555,000 to A$1.11 million per breach. The move is part of a broader legislative push to strengthen the Online Safety Act, which already imposes strict requirements on tech companies.
But it is the potential for a domino effect that has Westminster’s attention. Downing Street sources say the government is “actively considering” similar increases to penalties in the UK’s Online Safety Bill, currently making its way through parliament. The bill already includes provisions for fines of up to 10% of global turnover, but campaigners argue these are not enough to deter companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok.
“The message to tech bosses is clear: if you don’t play by the rules, you will pay a heavy price,” said a government spokesperson. “We are watching closely what Australia is doing. This is a global problem that requires a global solution.”
For workers and families worried about online harm, the news is a rare victory. But unions and campaign groups warn against complacency. “It is good to see governments finally taking this seriously,” said Sarah Jones, a campaigner for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. “But fines must be set at a level that actually changes behaviour. For billion-dollar companies, a few million pounds is a rounding error.”
The Australian move represents a significant escalation. The doubling of the maximum penalty is designed to send a signal that non-compliance will not be tolerated. The regulator has already taken enforcement action against Meta for failing to remove anti-Semitic content, and against Google for not tackling extremist material.
Under the new rules, the eSafety Commissioner will also gain greater powers to demand action against “toxic” algorithms and harmful recommendation systems. These are the engines that push content at users, often amplifying hate speech and disinformation. Critics say the current regime has not gone far enough, with evidence that some platforms are dragging their feet.
The UK’s Online Safety Bill is due to be finalised later this year. It has been subject to fierce lobbying from tech industry, who argue that heavy-handed regulation could stifle innovation and free speech. But ministers have pushed back, pointing to public polling showing strong support for stronger controls.
“The government is not afraid to stand up to the tech giants,” said the spokesperson. “They have had it their own way for too long. The era of self-regulation is over.”
For families in the North, where children are spending more time online due to lack of youth facilities and rising unemployment among young people, the issue is particularly acute. “Every parent I talk to is worried about what their kids are seeing online,” said Sarah Jenkins, a community organiser in Manchester. “We need action now, not more warm words.”
The Australian changes are expected to become law within months. The UK government is expected to announce its position on penalty increases in the coming weeks as the Online Safety Bill enters its final stages.
For now, the tech giants are watching closely. The message from Canberra and London is getting louder: break the rules and you will pay. The question is whether it will be enough to make them listen.
