Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick to its list of social media services that must block users under the age of 16, broadening a pioneering law set to come into effect next month.
New Platforms Subject to Law
Reddit and Kick will join major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube in adhering to a "world-first legal obligation" to prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. This mandate was confirmed by Communications Minister Anika Wells.
Legal and Enforcement Details
- Failure to comply may result in penalties up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million USD).
- The law aims to leverage the same technologies used for marketing to children to protect them instead.
“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,” said Anika Wells.
“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.”
Oversight and Research
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner responsible for enforcement, stated that the list of restricted platforms will adapt alongside technological advances. She emphasized ongoing evaluation of the ban’s effects on children’s sleep, social behaviors, and physical activity.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,” Inman Grant noted.
Global Impact
This Australian initiative is attracting international attention as a significant step towards protecting children from the risks associated with social media use at a young age.
Author’s Summary
Australia is setting a global precedent by legally requiring social media platforms, including Reddit and Kick, to prevent under-16 users, aiming to protect children’s well-being online.