Australia Adds Reddit and Kick to List of Social Media Platforms Banned for Under-16s
Australia has expanded its list of social media platforms that must block users under 16 under a new law set to begin next month. Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick will join Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube.
New Legal Requirements
The law imposes a “world-first legal obligation” on social media companies to prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the seriousness of the regulation:
“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 do not comply may face fines up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).
Use of Technology for Child Protection
Wells highlighted the contradiction in how platforms use technology:
“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.”
Oversight and Future Plans
The country's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will enforce the law and adapt the list of restricted platforms as technologies evolve. She also mentioned ongoing studies on how the ban might affect children's sleep, social behavior, and physical activity:
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements.”
This initiative has attracted international attention for its pioneering approach to protecting children online.
Author's summary: Australia is implementing a groundbreaking law requiring major social media platforms, including Reddit and Kick, to block users under 16, aiming to protect children using advanced technology and enforce stiff penalties for non-compliance.