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7h ago

Australia Adds Reddit and Kick to Under‑16 Social Media Ban Taking Effect Dec. 10

The eSafety Commission has designated eight services for account bans for under‑16s starting December 10 with fines for noncompliance up to A$49.5 million.

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The Reddit app icon on a smartphone in this illustration taken October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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A high school student poses with her mobile showing her social media applications in Melbourne, Australia, November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Overview

  • Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed Reddit and livestreaming site Kick join Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and X on the initial age‑restricted list.
  • Platforms must take reasonable steps to block under‑16 accounts, cannot make government ID the sole age‑check method, and children and parents will not face penalties.
  • Messaging and many gaming services, including WhatsApp, Messenger Kids, Discord, Roblox and Lego Play, are exempt for now as assessments continue on a dynamic basis.
  • TikTok, Snap and Meta say they will comply despite objecting to the policy, while YouTube and X oppose their inclusion and potential legal challenges remain possible.
  • The regulator’s power to designate platforms has not been tested in court, and authorities estimate roughly 1.5 million accounts could be deactivated under the new rules.