Australia is set to become the first nation globally to enforce a ban on social media use for individuals under 16, effective December 10th. The move, spearheaded by the country’s internet safety regulator, carries hefty penalties – up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million) – for platforms failing to comply.
Twitch Targeted, Pinterest Spares
The latest announcement from the eSafety Commissioner adds Amazon-owned Twitch to the list of banned platforms. Twitch is deemed a social media service due to its core function of live streaming and interactive content, enabling communication among users, including children. Twitch has announced it will begin deactivating accounts belonging to under-16s on January 9th, and prevent new underage sign-ups once the ban takes effect.
However, Pinterest will not be included on the list. The commissioner clarified that while Pinterest allows some social interaction, its primary function is image collection and idea curation. This distinction is important because the ban targets platforms where social interaction is central, not secondary.
Broad Scope of the Ban
The ban already encompasses major tech players like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Recent additions include Reddit and the video streaming platform Kick. The eSafety Commissioner has stated no further assessments will occur before the December 10th deadline.
Tech Giants Prepare for Compliance
Meta has already announced it will start deactivating Instagram and Facebook accounts for Australian users under 16 from December 4th, a week ahead of the law’s enactment. This demonstrates a preemptive move by tech companies to avoid the substantial fines.
The implications of this ban are significant : Australia is pioneering a regulatory approach to child safety online, prompting debate about the balance between protection and digital freedom. The effectiveness of the ban will likely depend on how platforms verify user ages and how well the law is enforced.
