Australia adds Reddit, Kick to social media platforms banned for under-16s

Australia Expands List of Social Media Platforms Banned for Under-16s

Australia has further extended its groundbreaking law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms. On Wednesday, Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick were added to the growing list of sites required to block underage users starting next month.

Platforms Included in the Ban

Official Statements and Penalties

“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,” Communications Minister Anika Wells said in Canberra.
“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.”

Companies that do not comply risk facing penalties of up to A$50 million (approximately $33 million).

Enforcement and Ongoing Research

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, will oversee enforcement efforts and highlighted that the list will adapt as new technologies arise.

“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements,” she said, mentioning studies on how the ban may influence children’s sleep patterns, social behaviors, and physical activity.

Global Impact

This initiative has attracted attention internationally for its pioneering approach to online child safety.

Author’s summary: Australia’s social media ban for under-16s now includes Reddit and Kick, enforcing strict usage limits with hefty penalties to protect children online.

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Anadolu Ajansı Anadolu Ajansı — 2025-11-06

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