Australia is moving forward with its controversial ban on social media for users under 16, with the latest update adding Twitch to the list of restricted platforms. The decision, made by the country’s eSafety watchdog, will take effect December 10th, impacting how young Australians access online content. Pinterest, however, has been excluded from the ban.
Why Twitch Was Targeted
Twitch, a livestreaming service popular with gamers and content creators, is categorized as a high-risk “age-restricted social media platform” due to its heavy reliance on real-time social interaction. According to eSafety, the platform’s core features – including live video and direct engagement – make it unsuitable for underage users.
Twitch has confirmed that Australians under 16 will no longer be able to create new accounts after December 10th, with existing accounts for these users deactivated by January 9th. The platform already requires users under 18 to have parental consent in many regions, but Australia’s ban goes further by blocking access entirely.
Pinterest’s Exclusion Explained
Pinterest was exempted from the ban because it’s primarily seen as a visual discovery platform for images and ideas. Unlike Twitch, it doesn’t focus on interactive social features, leading regulators to deem it a lower risk for young users. This distinction highlights the complex challenge of defining “social media” in the digital age.
Platforms Affected by the Ban
The sweeping ban will impact major tech companies including Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube (excluding YouTube Kids and Google Classroom), Reddit, and the streaming service Kick. These platforms are now required to verify user ages and block access for anyone under 16.
Global Context and Age Verification Trends
Australia’s move reflects a growing global trend toward stricter online age verification. The U.S. and the U.K. are also exploring similar measures, with 24 U.S. states enacting age-verification laws as of August 2025. Utah was the first to require app stores to verify ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps.
The ban follows a year after Australia passed legislation restricting social media use for those under 16, prompting some tech firms to call for delays in enforcement. The eSafety regulator provides a self-assessment tool to help platforms determine whether they must comply with the rules.
This aggressive approach underscores Australia’s commitment to protecting young people online, though critics argue the ban may be difficult to enforce effectively and could push underage users towards unregulated platforms.
Ultimately, Australia’s social media age ban represents a significant step toward greater control over who accesses online content, raising questions about the balance between child safety and digital freedom.
