Australia Expands Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia has extended its pioneering social media ban for children under 16, now including America’s popular forum Reddit and the live-streaming platform Kick. The restrictions will come into effect from December 10, 2025.
Platforms Included in the Ban
- Kick
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Threads
- X (formerly Twitter)
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Tech companies failing to take "reasonable steps" to disable existing accounts for under-16s or block new ones risk fines up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million or £25.7 million).
"Their sole purpose is to enable online social interaction," the Australian government said, justifying the selection of banned platforms and indicating more could be added due to rapidly evolving technology.
Officials' Statements
"Delaying children's access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll," said Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells added that online platforms can exert "chilling control" over children, emphasizing that the ban aims to protect them.
Australia’s world-first ban reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s well-being and seeks to provide a safer online environment for young users.
Author’s summary: Australia’s under-16 social media ban expands to include Reddit and Kick, enforcing strict penalties on tech firms to protect children from harmful online influences starting December 2025.