Australia Adds Reddit and Kick to Social Media Platforms Banned for Under-16s
Australia has expanded its list of social media platforms required to block users under 16, adding Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick. This move extends a landmark law scheduled to take effect next month, joining Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube in the new regulation.
Legal Obligations and Penalties
Under this “world-first legal obligation,” social media companies must prevent children under 16 from opening or maintaining accounts. Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).
“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 Communications Minister Anika Wells in Canberra.
Wells emphasized that the same technology used by online platforms to target children should be employed to protect them instead.
Oversight and Future Developments
Julie Inman Grant, the country’s eSafety Commissioner overseeing enforcement, highlighted that the list of restricted platforms will adapt as new technologies emerge.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,” she stated, mentioning ongoing research into the ban's impact on children's sleep, social habits, and physical activity.
Global Impact
This initiative has attracted international attention as Australia leads in legislating the protection of minors on social media.
Summary: Australia is pioneering legal measures to safeguard children under 16 online by requiring major platforms like Reddit and Kick to block underage users, with strict penalties for non-compliance and ongoing monitoring of social consequences.