Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick to its list of social media sites that must block users under 16, under a new law starting next month. These platforms join Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube in facing this “world-first legal obligation.”
Legal and Enforcement Measures
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the seriousness of the law and possible penalties:
“We have met with several of the social media platforms in the past month so that they understand there is no excuse for failure to implement this law.”
Companies violating the rule could be fined up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).
Purpose and Oversight
Wells noted that online platforms already use technology to target children and said the government is asking them to use those tools to protect them instead.
“Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are merely asking that they use that same technology to keep children safe online.”
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, will oversee enforcement and said the list of restricted platforms will adapt with technology advancements.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,”
she added, mentioning research into the ban’s impact on children’s sleep, social habits, and physical activity.
International Attention
The Australian initiative has attracted global interest as a pioneering effort to shield children from social media risks.