Australia has expanded its sweeping social media restrictions by adding Twitch to the list of platforms banned for children under 16, marking the latest development in the world’s most comprehensive age-gating legislation.
The Australian government’s eSafety Commissioner announced on Friday that the Amazon-owned live streaming service qualifies as a social media platform under the country’s new restrictions, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. Twitch plans to deactivate all user accounts for people aged 16 and under starting January 9, 2026, while simultaneously blocking new underage account creation.
The Scope of Australia’s Ban
The legislation represents an unprecedented effort to regulate minors’ access to digital platforms. The banned services now include major platforms like Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, along with X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. Companies that fail to comply with the ban face penalties up to $32 million AUD (approximately $21 million USD).
The eSafety Commissioner justified Twitch’s inclusion by noting that the platform functions as a social media service due to its interactive features that enable users—including children—to communicate with others about posted content, not merely as a gaming-focused livestreaming tool.
Age Verification Methods
To enforce the ban, platforms must implement age verification technologies without mandating government ID disclosure. The Australian government has approved multiple verification approaches, including facial estimation, video selfies, AI-based tools, and government-accredited digital ID services. Platforms must offer reasonable alternatives to users seeking to prove their age.
Notable Exclusions
Interestingly, some platforms have been exempted from the restrictions. Pinterest, Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, Messenger, Roblox, Steam, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids remain accessible to children under 16. Pinterest escaped the ban because its core function centers on content curation rather than social interaction.
Industry Response
Meta has already begun preparations, announcing it would deactivate Instagram and Facebook accounts for Australian users under 16 starting December 4—a week before the law takes effect. The company is notifying affected users to save their data before access is revoked, with all content preserved for when they turn 16.
Policy Rationale
Australian officials argue the restrictions provide what they describe as “breathing space” for young people to develop digital literacy, critical reasoning, impulse control, and resilience. Behavioral epidemiologist Dot Dumuid from the University of South Australia suggests the ban could encourage youth to engage more with real-world activities that build skills and genuine social connection.
As implementation approaches, questions remain about enforcement effectiveness and whether this model will inspire similar legislation in other countries.