Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Australia Adds Twitch to Under-16 Social Media Ban as December Start Nears

Regulators set a December 10 start, confirm Pinterest is excluded, requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to block under‑16 users.

Overview

  • Twitch has been added to the prohibited list for users under 16 following an assessment by the eSafety Commissioner, while Pinterest has been ruled out of scope.
  • The rules take effect on December 10, and officials say no further platform assessments will occur before enforcement begins.
  • The ban covers major services including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Reddit, with messaging, gaming and certain support services still accessible.
  • Platforms must implement age‑assurance measures deemed reasonable by regulators or face significant penalties for noncompliance.
  • Meta will begin notifying 13–15-year-old users from December 4 with options to archive accounts for access at 16, and many teens are backing up photos, messages and account histories ahead of restrictions.