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Australia Adds Reddit and Kick to Under-16 Social Media Ban Ahead of Dec. 10 Deadline

Platforms face account deletions for under-16 users or fines up to AU$49.5 million.

Overview

  • The eSafety regulator said the expanded list now covers nine services, including TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
  • Messaging, email, voice and video calling, online games and educational services remain exempt, leaving apps like WhatsApp, Discord and Roblox outside the ban.
  • Communications Minister Anika Wells urged platforms to use their tools to protect children rather than keep them engaged.
  • Online Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said delaying access gives young people time away from opaque algorithms and endless scrolling.
  • How compliance will be monitored and enforced has not been detailed, and the streaming platform Twitch is still under review.