CANBERRA -- Australia's Minister for Communications on Wednesday warned social media companies that they will face fines worth millions of dollars if they fail to comply with the social media ban for under-16s, local media reported.

In a speech marking one week until the social media ban comes into effect on Dec 10, Anika Wells acknowledged that some children will find a way around the new restrictions, but said that companies that do not enforce the ban will be breaking the law and will face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.59 million).

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"We know it won't be perfect from day one but we won't give up, and we won't let the platforms off the hook," Wells said at the National Press Club.

She said that the government estimates that 86 percent of Australian children aged 8-15 use social media.

Wells said that the government recognizes that age assurance may require several days or even weeks to complete fairly and accurately.