Australia will extend its upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and younger to include the live-streaming platform Twitch, but will exclude the image-sharing service Pinterest. The country’s eSafety Commissioner confirmed that Twitch meets the criteria of a social media service because it allows users to broadcast live and engage in real-time interaction. The restriction comes into effect on December 10. Platforms that fail to implement the ban may face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Twitch plans to block users aged 16 and under from January 9, following the commencement of the new rules. The platform will also close registrations for any new users in that age range once the ban is active. Meanwhile, Pinterest will not be subject to the restriction because it is primarily used for image collection and idea curation rather than interaction and live communication, according to the regulator. The commissioner said evaluators found that Pinterest does not meet the same standards of user interaction as platforms included in the ban.
The policy marks one of the first national efforts worldwide to block teenage access to major social media platforms. The regulator stated that the aim is to protect young users from harm and reduce prolonged exposure to online platforms that facilitate live interaction with strangers. Other services already covered by the ban include Reddit, Kick and Meta Platforms’ Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube. Evaluators said no further assessments will be made before the rules take effect.
The ban presents operational challenges for the platforms involved. They will need to implement age assurance systems, verify existing user ages and prevent new sign-ups from underage users. Firms will also need to monitor user behaviour and enforce the restrictions while avoiding widespread impact on older users. The requirement to take “reasonable steps” to comply with the law places a significant burden on companies that host large youth audiences and live content.
Experts say the enforcement of such a ban may trigger increased scrutiny of how social platforms manage young users and verification mechanisms. The case may influence other countries considering similar frameworks for youth online safety. For users under 16, the ban means losing access to platforms used for socialising, content creation and community engagement. Parents and guardians will need to consider alternatives for safe online interaction and content consumption.