Australia Expands Teen Social Media Ban to Include Twitch

Fri Nov 21 2025 13:00:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a groundbreaking move for online safety, Australia has added Twitch to its list of social media platforms banned for teens under 16, effective next month. This follows similar restrictions imposed on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has announced that Twitch, alongside other popular social media platforms, will be banned for users under 16 starting December 10. This ban aims to reduce exposure to online risks faced by young Australians. Twitch's owner, Amazon, stated that they will deactivate existing accounts for under-16s beginning January 9. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance online safety for children.

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, TikTok, and Snapchat that must ensure under-16s cannot open accounts and existing ones are closed from 10 December.

Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban said Twitch - owned by Amazon - has been included as its main purpose was online social interaction where users were encouraged to chat to each other about posted content.

A Twitch spokesperson confirmed that Australians under 16 will not be able to open a Twitch account from 10 December, and from 9 January, existing under-16s accounts will be deactivated.

On her reasons why Twitch had been included, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated it was a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.

No more platforms are expected to be added to the ban before the start date next month, Ms Inman Grant said.

The government has previously stated the ban is aimed at reducing the pressures and risks children can be exposed to on social media, including harmful content.

Founded in 2007, Twitch is a popular livestreaming platform where people typically play video games while chatting with viewers.

Last year, it launched plans to share more of its revenue with creators, allowing streamers to earn money through fan subscriptions.

Twitch's policy forbids anyone under 13 from using its platform, and users aged between 13 and the legal age of adulthood in their country can join if they have permission from a parent or guardian.

Ms Inman Grant also noted that Pinterest would not be included in the ban because its core purpose was not about online social interaction.

The world-first under-16s social media ban includes YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads, and X.

The ban mandates that tech companies must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from using their platforms or face fines up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million, GBP 25 million).

Earlier this week, Meta also announced it would begin closing accounts of teenagers under 16 starting from 4 December, a week before the official ban.

While how companies will enforce the ban remains unclear, some suggestions include the use of government IDs, facial recognition, or age inference through online behavior.