Fast Facts
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Twitch Ban: Starting December 10, Australians under 16 will be prohibited from creating Twitch accounts, with existing accounts deactivated by January 9.
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Platforms Affected: Australia’s upcoming social media ban will restrict access for users under 16 on several major platforms, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (excluding YouTube Kids).
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Age-Restricted Classification: Twitch is categorized as an “age-restricted social media platform” due to its focus on interactive features, while Pinterest is excluded as it primarily serves as an image collection tool.
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Global Trends: Similar restrictions are emerging worldwide, with the U.S. and U.K. implementing age-verification laws and requirements to protect minors from harmful online content.
Twitch Joins Australia’s Social Media Ban
Australia’s eSafety regulator has recently added Twitch to its upcoming ban on social media for users under 16. This decision comes as the underage social media ban takes effect on December 10. A spokesperson from Twitch confirmed that Australians under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts. Moreover, existing accounts for this age group will deactivate on January 9. The move aligns with global policies but specifically targets platforms focused on interactive features like live-streaming.
Twitch falls into the “age-restricted” category due to its emphasis on social interaction. In contrast, Pinterest received an exemption from the ban. The platform mainly curates images and ideas, lacking the engaging and interactive framework that characterizes platforms like Twitch. This distinction highlights the complexity of regulating social media, where different functionalities require different approaches.
The Global Context of Age Restrictions
Australia isn’t alone in implementing these restrictions. Other countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., are also moving to safeguard younger users online. As of August 2025, twenty-four U.S. states enacted age-verification laws, aiming to manage who accesses various types of content. Utah has even taken a bold step by requiring app stores to ensure users provide parental consent before downloading apps.
The U.K. has introduced similar measures through its Online Safety Act, which mandates that platforms block children from accessing harmful content. These efforts underscore a growing international consensus on the need for regulations that protect minors while navigating the challenges posed by technology.
By taking these steps, Australia aims to create a safer online environment for its youth. As society grapples with the implications of digital interaction, such measures can reflect a collective effort to balance accessibility with responsibility. The effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen, but they mark a significant move towards prioritizing the safety of younger users in an increasingly digital world.
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