According to Tech Digest, Australia has expanded its world-first social media ban for children under 16 to include Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick, bringing the total number of restricted platforms to nine. The landmark legislation takes effect on December 10 and targets platforms whose “sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.” Tech companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16 accounts or face fines up to A$50 million ($32.5 million). Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells stated the ban aims to protect children from “harmful and deceptive design features,” while eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized delaying access gives children time to grow free from “opaque algorithms and endless scroll.” The ban list already includes Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.
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The Age Verification Dilemma
Here’s the thing about banning social media for minors: enforcement is everything. The Australian government isn’t forcing companies to use government ID, but they’re basically saying “figure it out” when it comes to age verification. So what does that mean in practice? Facial recognition? Parental approval systems? Third-party verification services? Each option comes with its own privacy nightmares and accuracy questions.
And let’s be honest—kids are notoriously good at circumventing these systems. Remember when we all lied about our age to create accounts? The difference now is the stakes are higher with those massive fines looming. Companies will need to balance effective age gates against creating friction that drives away legitimate users. It’s a classic case of regulatory intent meeting technological reality.
What’s In, What’s Out
What’s really interesting is which platforms made the cut and which didn’t. Reddit and Kick join the usual suspects like Facebook and TikTok, but messaging services like WhatsApp and Discord get a pass. Gaming platforms like Roblox are also excluded because they’re deemed to have a “different primary purpose.”
But that distinction feels increasingly artificial. Roblox has massive social components. Discord servers function like social networks. The government admits the list is “dynamic” and might change, which basically means they’re making this up as they go along. As platforms evolve to blend gaming, messaging, and social features, these categorical distinctions are going to get messier.
Watch This Space Globally
Australia is essentially running a massive experiment that the whole world is watching. Other countries have implemented age restrictions, but this comprehensive ban with serious financial penalties is something new. If it works—or even if it just creates interesting precedents—we could see similar legislation popping up in Europe, North America, and beyond.
The real question is whether this approach actually protects kids or just pushes social media use further underground. Teens will find workarounds, and banning mainstream platforms might just drive them to less moderated spaces. Still, forcing tech companies to seriously consider youth protection rather than treating it as an afterthought? That’s probably a net positive, even if the execution remains messy.
