Australia’s internet regulator announced on Friday that Twitch, the popular video livestreaming service, will be included in a forthcoming ban on social media use for individuals under 16 years old. The ban, set to take effect on December 10, is part of a broader legislative effort aimed at safeguarding children and teenagers from online dangers such as cyberbullying and mental health risks.
The eSafety commissioner, in a statement on Friday, confirmed that Twitch qualifies for the social media ban due to its core feature of online interaction. Conversely, Pinterest, known for its virtual photo boards, was not included as it did not meet the interaction criteria. This decision reflects the comprehensive nature of the legislation passed by Parliament nearly a year ago, which is considered one of the most extensive measures globally for protecting young internet users.
Expanding the List of Restricted Platforms
In April, the eSafety commissioner identified several platforms, including Meta’s Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, as well as Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick, and Reddit, as age-restricted. The commissioner noted that the list is subject to change, with platforms potentially being added or removed as technology evolves.
On Friday, the commissioner stated that no further assessments are planned before the ban’s implementation. The law places the onus on social media companies to enforce age restrictions, with potential fines of up to $32 million for non-compliance. Notably, neither minors nor their parents will face penalties for violations, raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and the potential for children to circumvent the restrictions.
Twitch’s Role and Response
Twitch, owned by Amazon, is a leading platform for gamers who stream their gameplay to audiences worldwide. It also hosts a variety of content, including cooking videos and political commentary. In response to the new regulation, Twitch announced that it will prohibit Australians under 16 from creating accounts starting December 10, with existing underage accounts set to be deactivated by January 9. Despite these changes, the global minimum age for Twitch users will remain at 13 years old.
Twitch stated, “We are committed to ensuring a safe and positive experience for our community and will comply with the new regulations to protect young users.”
Implications and Future Considerations
The inclusion of Twitch in the ban highlights the growing concern over the impact of social media on young users. Experts argue that while the legislation is a significant step towards protecting minors, it also presents challenges in terms of enforcement and the potential for unintended consequences.
Dr. Emily Carter, a digital safety expert, commented, “The legislation is groundbreaking in its scope, but the real test will be in its implementation. Companies and regulators must work together to ensure that these measures are effective and do not inadvertently push young users to more obscure, less regulated platforms.”
The move represents a broader trend of governments worldwide taking a more active role in regulating digital spaces to protect vulnerable populations. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and policies aimed at ensuring online safety.
Looking ahead, the success of Australia’s approach may serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar issues. However, it also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue between policymakers, technology companies, and the public to navigate the complexities of digital regulation.
