Australia is tightening its grip on social media usage among teens by adding the streaming platform Twitch to its list of banned social media sites for users under 16 years old. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to shield young Australians from potential harms associated with social media. The ban will take effect on December 10, meaning new accounts for under-16s on Twitch will not be permitted, and existing accounts will be deactivated on January 9, 2026.
This legislation also applies to other major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat, highlighting the government's focus on online safety for minors. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, emphasized that Twitch's primary function is facilitating social interactions, prompting its inclusion in the ban.
The government aims to mitigate "pressures and risks" that children face while using social media. eSafety Commissioner Grant stated that Twitch, designated primarily for livestreaming and interactive content, poses significant online social risks for young users.
With the implementation of this ban, tech companies are expected to take 'reasonable steps' to limit access to their platforms for under-16s or face substantial fines. As the regulations take shape, questions remain about the exact enforcement methods, including age verification and monitoring strategies.
Despite the restrictions, Twitch continues to flourish as a livestreaming platform founded in 2007, where users engage in sharing gaming content and chat with their viewers. Last year, Twitch announced initiatives to enhance revenue sharing with content creators as part of its ongoing development.
Australia’s decision marks a pioneering approach to child safety in digital communication, with measures that may influence similar regulations in other countries.
This legislation also applies to other major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat, highlighting the government's focus on online safety for minors. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, emphasized that Twitch's primary function is facilitating social interactions, prompting its inclusion in the ban.
The government aims to mitigate "pressures and risks" that children face while using social media. eSafety Commissioner Grant stated that Twitch, designated primarily for livestreaming and interactive content, poses significant online social risks for young users.
With the implementation of this ban, tech companies are expected to take 'reasonable steps' to limit access to their platforms for under-16s or face substantial fines. As the regulations take shape, questions remain about the exact enforcement methods, including age verification and monitoring strategies.
Despite the restrictions, Twitch continues to flourish as a livestreaming platform founded in 2007, where users engage in sharing gaming content and chat with their viewers. Last year, Twitch announced initiatives to enhance revenue sharing with content creators as part of its ongoing development.
Australia’s decision marks a pioneering approach to child safety in digital communication, with measures that may influence similar regulations in other countries.
