Australia’s online safety regulator will add livestreaming platform Twitch to the country’s upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and under, making it one of the latest services subject to strict new age restrictions.
The rules take effect on December 10 and will impose major penalties on companies that fail to block underage users.
Authorities determined that Twitch fits the definition of a social platform because its livestreamed and interactive content enables broad user communication, including among minors. Twitch plans to shut down existing accounts belonging to users under 17 by January 9 and will prevent new sign-ups from that age group once the ban begins.
Twitch joins a growing roster of platforms already covered, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick. Regulators have confirmed that no additional reviews will be conducted before the rules are enforced, positioning Australia as the first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for younger teens.