Overview

• eSafety wrote to 16 additional companies — including WhatsApp, Roblox, Reddit, Discord, Twitch, Pinterest, GitHub, Match, Steam, Kick and Lego Play — to determine if the ban applies alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube.
• The regulator will publish its views before the rules take effect and intends to focus early enforcement on services with the largest under‑16 user bases and demonstrated harms.
• eSafety says it lacks the power to make binding designations on which platforms are covered, setting up probable tests in the Federal Court once enforcement begins.
• X has asked for a delay and a grace period, arguing the policy raises lawfulness and human‑rights concerns and warning that minors could shift to less regulated services.
• Age‑verification remains unresolved as Canberra backs layered, minimally invasive checks, while systemic non‑compliance could attract penalties of up to A$49.5 million; Roblox has pledged new age‑assurance and safety measures.