Australia is set to enforce new social media regulations that will prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing several major platforms, including Twitch. The announcement was made by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who confirmed the inclusion of Twitch in the federal government’s age restrictions less than three weeks before the law takes effect on December 10, 2023.
The decision is rooted in the platform’s interactive features, which allow users, including minors, to engage with others through live streaming and content sharing. Inman Grant stated, “Twitch is a platform most commonly used for live streaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.”
Despite exemptions in the new regulations for platforms focused solely on gaming, eSafety determined that Twitch’s capabilities primarily facilitate user interaction rather than just gameplay. Consequently, from December 10, no Australian under 16 will be able to create an account on Twitch, and any existing accounts belonging to minors will be deactivated over the following month.
Globally, Twitch enforces a minimum age requirement of 13, with younger users needing parental supervision. The recent Australian ban adds to a growing list of major social media platforms affected by the under-16 restriction, which already includes Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Reddit.
In a statement, the office of Communications Minister Anika Wells noted that the list of platforms under the ban “remains dynamic,” though no further assessments are planned before the official rollout date. The spokesperson emphasized the intent behind the law: “Our historic law simply aims to provide Australian children with a reprieve from the persuasive pull of platforms. We are not chasing perfection; we are chasing a meaningful difference in the lives of young Australians.”
Social media companies that do not take “reasonable steps” to remove underage users may face fines of up to $50 million AUD. In response to the forthcoming regulations, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already initiated the removal of accounts held by users under 16 in preparation for the law’s implementation.
Twitch has reiterated its commitment to upholding these age restrictions in Australia. In its statement, the platform confirmed that accounts belonging to users under 16 would be deactivated, highlighting its existing global policies that require parental supervision for younger users.
This shift in policy reflects ongoing concerns regarding the impact of social media on young people in Australia and aims to promote a safer online environment for minors. As the December deadline approaches, the focus remains on how these regulations will reshape the landscape of social media access for younger Australians.
