Post by : Badri Ariffin

Australia is set to implement one of the world’s toughest online safety rules as a nationwide ban on social media use for people aged 16 and under begins on December 10. The move positions Australia as the first country to completely restrict minors from accessing major digital platforms, with heavy penalties for companies that fail to comply.

The eSafety Commissioner confirmed that Amazon-owned Twitch will be included in the list of banned services. Officials said the platform meets the criteria of a social media service because it centres on livestreaming and interactive content, enabling real-time communication between users — including children.

Twitch has already outlined its compliance plan. All existing accounts belonging to users aged 16 and under will be deactivated from January 9, and the company will prevent new underage accounts from being created as soon as the rules take effect next month.

Pinterest, however, avoided inclusion. Regulators determined that while the platform allows limited online interaction, its primary purpose is image collecting and idea curation, not social engagement, so it does not qualify under the new definition.

Earlier this month, the ban was expanded to add Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick. Major global platforms already covered include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube. The commissioner said no further assessments will be made before the December 10 rollout, giving companies a short window to demonstrate “reasonable steps” to enforce the new age restrictions. Failure to comply could lead to penalties reaching A$49.5 million.

Australia’s decision marks a major shift in global digital policy, signaling a tougher stance on protecting younger users from online risks as the country prepares to implement the sweeping rules.

#Global News