Australia adds Reddit, Kick to social media platforms banned for under-16s

Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Australia has added Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick to its growing list of social media sites banned for users under 16, extending a groundbreaking law set to come into effect next month.

Platforms Included in the Ban

Legal Obligations and Penalties

These platforms face a world-first legal obligation to prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the seriousness of compliance:

“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 that fail to comply risk facing fines up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million USD).

Technology and Child Safety

Wells highlighted the use of technology by online platforms to target children and called for the same tools to be used to protect them:

“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.”

Enforcement and Future Monitoring

Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner who will oversee the enforcement of this law, stated that the list of restricted platforms will adapt as new technologies emerge. She also noted ongoing research aimed at understanding the ban's effects:

“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements.”

Studies are focusing on how this ban might influence children’s sleep patterns, social behavior, and physical activity.

International Impact

The Australian initiative has attracted attention globally for its pioneering approach to child protection on social media platforms.

Author's summary: Australia is pioneering a legal framework to shield children under 16 from social media risks by expanding platform bans and enforcing strict compliance with hefty penalties.

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Anadolu Ajansı Anadolu Ajansı — 2025-11-06

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