Twitch Added to Australia’s Nationwide Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has expanded its upcoming under-16 social media ban to include Twitch, the Amazon-owned livestreaming platform widely used by gamers. The restriction, which takes effect on 10 December, requires platforms to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts and to close existing accounts belonging to minors.
The eSafety Commissioner, which is enforcing the new rules, said Twitch meets the criteria because its core function encourages users to interact socially through livestreams and chat features. Platforms already on the ban list include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, X, and Kick.
A Twitch spokesperson confirmed that new accounts for Australians under 16 will be blocked from 10 December, and existing accounts will be deactivated from 9 January.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant explained that Twitch’s heavy emphasis on real-time interaction, particularly among young users, made its inclusion necessary. She added that no additional platforms are expected to be added before the ban begins.
The Australian government says the move aims to protect children from online risks, including harmful content and social pressure. Under the policy, companies must take “reasonable steps” to enforce age restrictions or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
Twitch—founded in 2007 – currently prohibits under-13s from using its service, while teenagers aged 13 to 17 can join with parental consent. Recent policy changes have also allowed creators to earn more revenue through channel subscriptions, which are shared equally between Twitch and streamers after fees.
Pinterest, however, was excluded from the ban. The Commissioner said the platform’s main purpose is image collection and idea organisation rather than social interaction.
Platforms have yet to detail how they will verify users’ ages, though potential tools under consideration include government ID checks, facial or voice recognition, and age-inference technology.
