Australia extends social media ban to Twitch for under-16 users

Australia is expanding its under-16 social media ban to include Twitch, a popular livestreaming platform, starting December 10. This move is part of a broader effort to restrict children’s access to platforms that encourage online social interaction. Under the new regulations, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and now Twitch, must prevent users under 16 from creating new accounts, and existing accounts for those under this age will be deactivated by January 9. The decision was made by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who explained that Twitch was included because it fosters user interaction through live streaming and content posting, which can expose children to potential risks. The ban aims to curb the pressures and dangers associated with social media, especially for children. While the policy excludes Pinterest, as its primary function is not social interaction, it impacts major platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). Companies that fail to comply could face hefty fines of up to $49.5 million. Some methods under consideration to enforce the ban include government IDs, facial recognition, and age inference based on online behavior. Meta, which owns several of the affected platforms, plans to start closing under-16 accounts as early as December 4, ahead of the official ban.