Australia adds Reddit, Kick to social media platforms banned for under-16s

Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Australia has added Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick to its list of social media sites that must block users under 16 years old. This extends a pioneering law set to come into effect next month.

Platforms Included Under the New Regulation

Legal Obligations and Penalties

The law imposes a “world-first legal obligation” on these companies to prevent children under 16 from opening or keeping accounts.

Communications Minister Anika Wells stated:

“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.”

Companies that ignore the rules could face fines up to A$50 million (US$33 million).

Rationale Behind the Law

The government urges platforms to use their technology responsibly to shield children from harmful online content.

“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,” said Wells.

Oversight and Future Developments

Julie Inman Grant, the country's eSafety Commissioner overseeing the law's enforcement, indicated the list of restricted platforms will update 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 said, mentioning studies on the ban’s effects on children’s sleep, social behavior, and physical activity.

International Impact

This initiative has attracted attention worldwide as a bold attempt to enhance online safety for children.

Summary: Australia is enforcing a groundbreaking law requiring major social media platforms, including Reddit and Kick, to block users under 16, aiming to protect children online and impose hefty penalties for non-compliance.

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Anadolu Ajansı Anadolu Ajansı — 2025-11-06

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