Australia has expanded its upcoming social media ban to include Twitch, the live-streaming platform popular with gamers and creators. Twitch now joins Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick on the list of platforms restricted for users under 16.
The ban takes effect on December 10. Lawmakers say the move is meant to protect young people from risks linked to social media use, including exposure to harmful content and addictive behavior.
Companies that fail to follow the rules face fines of up to USD 50 million. To comply, platforms will need to put in place age checks, which could involve government IDs or biometric verification.
Globally, Twitch already requires users to be at least 13 years old. Australia’s stricter age limit shows how the government has increased its focus on online safety.
Other countries have taken different approaches. France blocks access for children under 15 unless parents give consent. In the United States, the focus has been on protecting children’s data rather than banning platforms outright.
Whether the ban will work remains uncertain. In France, many young users reportedly bypass restrictions using VPNs. Still, Australia’s mandate marks one of the strongest global efforts to limit social media use among minors, which could influence future policies elsewhere.
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