Australia Expands Ban on Social Media Access for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick to its expanding list of social media sites required to block users under 16 years old. This follows a landmark law scheduled to take effect next month.
Platforms Affected by the New Law
- TikTok
- X
- Snapchat
- Threads
- YouTube
- Kick
These platforms face a "world-first legal obligation" to prevent children from creating or keeping accounts, according to Communications Minister Anika Wells.
Enforcement and Penalties
Companies that do not comply with the law could face fines up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).
“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,” Wells said in Canberra.
“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.”
Oversight and Future Development
Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner overseeing enforcement, stated the list will adapt as new technologies emerge.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,” she explained, highlighting ongoing research into the ban’s effects on children’s sleep, social behavior, and physical activity.
Global Impact
The initiative has attracted international attention, marking a significant step in child online safety regulation.
Author’s summary: Australia is pioneering a legal framework requiring social media platforms, including Reddit and Kick, to block under-16 users, emphasizing child safety and enforcing heavy penalties for noncompliance.