Twitch Added to Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Pinterest and Roblox remain exempt from the ban coming into effect from Dec. 10.

A gamepad is pictured as a screen displays the online Twitch platform in Toulouse, southwestern France, on June 15, 2021. Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images

Australia’s online safety regulator has formally included Twitch under the country’s impending under-16 social media ban.

The platform, was classified as an “age-restricted social media platform” on Nov. 21, three weeks before the world-first ban takes effect on Dec. 10.

The eSafety Commissioner confirmed it had notified the streaming service, often used by influencers to stream video games or other activities.

“Twitch is a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted,” eSafety said.

The platform now joins Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Threads, Reddit and Kick, all of which must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from having accounts, or face penalties of up to $49.5 million.

In contrast, Pinterest has not been brought under the ban.

“Pinterest is more commonly used by individuals collating images for inspiration and idea curation,” the commissioner noted.

No further platform assessments are expected before the start date, although the federal government has said the list may expand over time.

Roblox Still Out

The popular gaming platform Roblox remains exempt, with eSafety declining to classify it as age-restricted.

Communications Minister Anika Wells cautioned the platform remains “under scrutiny” as authorities monitor how young users respond once the ban begins.

“If we were to detect that people were swarming to Roblox and there was more harm being created, absolutely Roblox would be in the sights of the eSafety commissioner,” Wells said on Nov. 10.

Roblox allows users create and play millions of games designed by other players.

It includes virtual hangouts, interactive worlds, and social spaces where users can chat through text and voice.

Australia’s progress with the ban is being closely watched by overseas governments including France, the European Union, and Norway.