Australia has expanded its world-first social media ban for children under 16 to include the popular forum site Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced. The ban, which takes effect on December 10, now covers nine major platforms, with tech companies facing fines of up to A$50 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts.
The eSafety Commission determined that Reddit and Kick meet the criteria for inclusion, as their sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction. This brings the total list of age-restricted services to Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Reddit, and Kick. The government emphasized that the list is dynamic and could change as technology evolves, with ongoing assessments by the regulator.
From the start date, platforms must deactivate existing accounts for users under 16 and prohibit new ones. Potential implementation methods include using official identification documents, parental approval, and facial recognition technology. However, critics have raised concerns about data privacy and the accuracy of age verification software, noting that all proposed methods have risks or shortcomings.
Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the ban is not about perfection but about making a meaningful difference in protecting children from predatory algorithms, harmful content, and toxic popularity metrics. She met with major social media platforms recently to ensure there is no excuse for failure in implementation. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant added that delaying children’s access to social media gives them valuable time to learn and grow without the influence of opaque algorithms and endless scroll.
Platforms exempt from the ban include messaging services like WhatsApp and Discord, gaming platforms such as Roblox and Lego Play, and educational tools like Google Classroom and YouTube Kids. Ms. Inman Grant explained that negotiations with some platforms, like Roblox, have led to other safety measures, such as preventing adult users from contacting children without parental consent.
Despite widespread public support for the ban, some mental health advocates warn that it could isolate children and cut them off from positive connections online. Others fear it might push young users to less-regulated corners of the internet. An Australian influencer family recently announced plans to move to the UK to avoid the ban, highlighting potential unintended consequences.
Australia’s approach is being closely watched by global leaders as a pioneering move in regulating social media for minors. The country is a first mover in this space, with companies like Snapchat acknowledging they are learning as they go to comply. The ban reflects growing concerns worldwide about the impact of social media on youth mental health and development.
As the December 10 deadline approaches, platforms are exploring options such as allowing underage users to archive their data or place accounts in suspension. The government encourages parents to visit the eSafety website for resources and webinars. The dynamic nature of the list means more platforms could be added in the future, ensuring the policy adapts to the fast-changing digital landscape.