Teenage boy using smartphone at home
New legislation in Australia will impose strict age restrictions on social media platforms, requiring those under 16 to be banned from accessing services like Reddit and Kick. This change is part of a broader initiative aimed at protecting young users from potential online harms. The new regulations will take effect on December 10, 2023, as the government seeks to mitigate risks associated with social media use.
Reddit, a platform known for its community-based discussions, was recently included in the updated list of sites that must comply with these age restrictions. This announcement came just a day after the platform’s co-founder and chief executive reportedly reached billionaire status. Kick, an Australian livestreaming service popular among gamers, also faces the same requirements. These platforms join others like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X, previously known as Twitter, which are also required to enforce similar measures.
The Australian government has established that companies failing to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from holding accounts may incur fines of up to $49.5 million. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the need for these measures, stating, “There’s a time and place for social media in Australia, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms, harmful content and toxic popularity metrics manipulating Australian children.”
Wells has engaged with major social media platforms over the past month, stressing that there is no excuse for failing to implement these new laws. The government aims for a safer online environment, where children are shielded from the pressures associated with social media.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, highlighted the importance of delaying children’s access to social media, explaining that it provides them with “valuable time to learn and grow.” She urged parents to seek resources on the new restrictions at eSafety.gov.au.
Each of the eight platforms, including Reddit and Kick, have been identified by the eSafety Office as requiring age restrictions. However, the government has indicated that this list will be dynamic, with ongoing assessments determining if platforms can be removed from it in the future.
Reddit has previously stated that Australia constitutes its fifth-largest user base, with approximately 90 percent of its users over the age of 18. The platform has asserted its commitment to community governance, noting that content moderation is shared among users and volunteer moderators. Its policies explicitly prohibit harmful behaviors, including hate speech and the sharing of personal information without consent.
Kick, founded in Melbourne in 2022, has also reiterated its dedication to protecting minors. The platform prohibits content that endangers or exploits children, emphasizing that user privacy and safety are paramount.
While platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have agreed to comply with the impending regulations, there are concerns that such restrictions may push young users toward less regulated areas of the internet. Some influencers who rely on these platforms for their livelihoods have already begun relocating overseas to avoid the bans.
As Australia prepares to enforce these new regulations, the government continues to advocate for the safety and well-being of its young citizens in the digital space.
