In a significant expansion of its pioneering digital safety laws, the Australian government has confirmed that the live streaming service Twitch will be included in its upcoming ban on social media for children under the age of 16.
The country's internet watchdog, the eSafety Commissioner, announced on Friday, 21 November 2025, that the Amazon-owned platform, immensely popular within the gaming community, qualifies as a social media service under the new rules.
Which Platforms Are Affected by the Ban?
The ban, set to be the world's first law of its kind, will prohibit children aged 16 and under from using a range of social media platforms. Twitch now joins a list that already includes tech giants such as Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, as well as X, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that while Twitch is primarily used for livestreaming games, its interactive features allow users, including children, to communicate with others in relation to posted content, thus meeting the criteria for a social media service.
In response, Twitch has confirmed it will deactivate all accounts for users aged 16 and under from 9 January and will block new underage users from creating accounts once the ban is in effect.
How Will the Ban Be Enforced?
Companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to comply with the new law face staggering penalties of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million USD). The enforcement mechanism, however, remains a key point of discussion.
The Australian government has clarified that no citizen will be forced to provide a government-issued ID or use a government-accredited digital ID to prove their age. Instead, social media platforms will be required to offer users reasonable alternatives for age verification.
Ahead of the law's official enactment, Meta has proactively announced it will begin blocking the Instagram and Facebook accounts of Australian users under 16 from 4 December. Many teenagers have already started receiving notifications to save their data before their access is revoked.
Which Platforms Are Exempt and Why?
Not all digital platforms fall under the new restrictions. The government has published a list of services excluded from the ban, effective as of 21 November 2025.
The exempt platforms include:
- Discord
- GitHub
- Google Classroom
- Messenger
- Roblox
- Steam and Steam Chat
- YouTube Kids
Commissioner Inman Grant explained that Pinterest was not included because its core purpose is not centred on social interaction.
Experts like behavioural epidemiologist Dot Dumuid from the University of South Australia hope the ban will encourage young people to spend more time in the real world, developing crucial life skills and building resilience away from screens.
