Australia Expands List of Social Media Platforms Banned for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick to its expanding list of social media sites that must block users under 16 years old. This law, which will take effect next month, also includes major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube.
Government Measures and Penalties
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the significance of the law, calling it a “world-first legal obligation” for social media companies to prevent children from opening or maintaining accounts. Companies that do not comply face fines up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).
“We have met with several of the social media platforms in the past month so that they understand there is no excuse for failure to implement this law,” Wells said in Canberra.
“Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are merely asking that they use that same technology to keep children safe online.”
Oversight and Future Developments
The country’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will oversee the enforcement of the law. She explained that the list of restricted platforms will be updated as new technologies emerge.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,” Grant stated, highlighting ongoing research into how the ban might impact children’s sleep, social habits, and physical activity.
International Impact
This initiative has attracted attention worldwide as a pioneering effort to protect children online by legally requiring platforms to restrict underage users.
Author’s summary: Australia is pioneering a global first by legally requiring multiple social media platforms, including Reddit and Kick, to bar users under 16, backed by heavy penalties and ongoing impact research.
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