Social media platforms could face $50m fines if Australian children access adult content on their sites

Draft codes would require social media platforms that allow pornography to prevent access to minors – and implement age assurance measures for users. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

Social media and technology companies would have six months to implement a suite of new measures to restrict Australian children from accessing adult content online, or face fines up to $50m, under proposed new codes developed by the industry.

The draft codes, submitted to the eSafety commissioner last week for approval, would require social media platforms that allow pornography to prevent access to minors, and implement age assurance measures for users.