Australia has added Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick to its social media ban for children under 16, effective December 10. This brings the total number of restricted platforms to nine, including Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads. Companies failing to take "reasonable steps" to deactivate existing under-16 accounts and prevent new ones face fines up to A$50 million. The ban targets sites primarily enabling online social interaction, with officials noting potential for more additions.
Ban Expansion and Implementation
Reddit and the live-streaming platform Kick have been added to Australia's social media ban for children under 16. This brings the total count of platforms targeted by the ban to nine, which also includes Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.
Beginning December 10, technology companies face fines up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million) if they do not implement "reasonable steps" to deactivate existing accounts for individuals under 16 and prohibit the creation of new accounts by this age group.
Selection Criteria and Exclusions
The government stated that each banned platform was selected because its "sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction." Officials also indicated that additional sites might be included due to the "fast-changing" nature of technology.
Messaging services Discord and WhatsApp, gaming platforms Lego Play and Roblox, along with Google Classroom and YouTube Kids, are not included in the ban.
Official Statements and Rationales
Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that delaying children's access to social media accounts provides them "valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll."
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that online platforms can target children with "chilling control" and that the ban aims to protect children. She added, "We aren't chasing perfection, we are chasing a meaningful difference."
Implementation Challenges and Concerns
The specific methods companies will use to implement the ban are currently unspecified. Potential methods under consideration include official ID documents, parental approval, and facial recognition technology. This initiative is being monitored by global leaders.
Concerns have been raised by critics regarding data privacy and the accuracy of age verification software. A recent report indicated that the proposed verification methods each present risks or shortcomings.