Talk has circulated for years about the detrimental effect of social media on children’s mental health, but Australia is one of the first to take far-reaching action on the issue. In November 2024, the government passed the Online Safety Amendment, banning those under 16 from accessing popular social media platforms. The ban threatens fines of up to $50 million for companies that refuse to take “reasonable action” in keeping minors off their apps. While most of the affected websites have had a year to prepare for the December 10th deadline, eSafety Comissioner Julie Inman Grant recently announced a popular streaming platform for gamers is now on the ban list.
Twitch to Face Restrictions for Aussie Minors
With less than three weeks before the Amendment’s compliance deadline, Twitch must now exclude Australian minors from their platform. Under 16s cannot create a Twitch account, and the Amazon-owned company must deactivate accounts of those already on the platform. This is despite a clause allowing exemption for websites whose sole or primary purpose is gaming. Comissioner Grant explained the reason is because of Twitch’s emphasis on user interaction.
From the eSafety website: “Twitch is a platform most commonly used for live streaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.”
User interaction is a particular concern regarding the social media ban. Platforms which allow minors to interact with strangers via livestreams or comments are viewed as a potential vector for online harassment (and worse). However, some websites with such features, like Pinterest, are exempt if interaction is not a “primary component.” The post further clarifies the ruling came after Twitch’s own self-assessment.
The List of Banned Platforms
Twitch is the latest social media site on the ban list, joining Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X/Twitter, and YouTube. Australia’s eSafety Commission has been providing companies guidance over the last year on whether they meet the criteria for age-restriction, primarily through their self-assessment tool. Ultimately, the Australian courts provide the final verdict on whether a platform is compliant.
Australia’s ban stands out as one of the first of its kind. If it is successful in its goals of improving the mental health and safety of minors, other countries may follow suit. But critics raise concerns over privacy and implementation, and some say the ban could push minors to more dangerous websites. Whatever the case, Twitch has less than three weeks to become compliant, so they’ll need to move fast to avoid the fines.
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