Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, has been added to Australia's teen social media ban which starts next month.
It joins other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat, which must ensure under-16s cannot open accounts and existing ones are closed from December 10.
Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban stated that Twitch, owned by Amazon, has been included due to its focus on 'online social interaction,' where users are encouraged to chat about posted content.
A Twitch spokesperson confirmed that Australians under 16 will not be able to open a Twitch account starting December 10, and existing accounts for that age group will be deactivated from January 9, 2026.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant explained that Twitch is most commonly used for livestreaming, allowing users, including children, to interact with others regarding the posted content.
No additional platforms are expected to be added to the ban before the start date next month, according to Ms. Inman Grant.
The government’s initiative aims to reduce the 'pressures and risks' children can face on social media, including exposure to harmful content.
Originally founded in 2007, Twitch has become a major platform for livestreaming, primarily for gamers, and recently announced plans to share more revenue with content creators.
Twitch’s policy bans users under 13 from the platform, and allows those aged 13 to the legal adulthood age to join with parental permission.
Australia’s pioneering under-16s social media ban will also encompass platforms like YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads, and X.
Companies failing to implement measures to protect minors from using their platforms could face fines as high as $49.5 million (US$32 million), emphasizing the seriousness of compliance with this legislation.
In related news, Meta has already initiated actions to close accounts of users under 16 starting December 4, ahead of the official ban.
