Australia expands its under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick, marking a new phase in the nation’s effort to shield children from online harms and regulate tech giants.
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| Reddit and Kick are the latest platforms affected by Australia’s sweeping under-16 social media ban, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global leader in online child protection. Image: CH |
CANBERRA, Australia — November 5, 2025:
Australia’s bold experiment in online child protection is entering a new phase. The federal government has confirmed that messaging platform Reddit and live-streaming service Kick will now fall under the nation’s under-16 social media ban, joining global giants like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced Wednesday that both platforms will be officially classified as “age-restricted” under the new eSafety regulations taking effect on December 10. The updated list now includes nine platforms deemed to prioritize “social interaction” as a core function.
“We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re aiming for meaningful change,” Wells said, emphasizing that platforms have had ample warning to comply. “There will be no excuse for failure.”
Under the new law, platforms that do not take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts could face penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million.
The expanded ban cements Australia’s position as a global test case for age-based online regulation. The move targets what regulators call “predatory algorithms” and “toxic popularity metrics” that exploit children’s attention.
Minister Wells argued that social media companies have a “chilling ability to control children’s experiences” and must be held accountable for protecting young users. “We are mandating that they use their sophisticated technology to protect them,” she said.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant backed the government’s stance, saying the ban will give children “valuable time to grow without being influenced by the powerful, unseen forces of algorithms and endless scroll.”
Tech companies have expressed a mix of support and frustration. While TikTok, Meta, and Snap confirmed they will comply, many raised concerns about the short timeline for implementation.
Snapchat is developing a tool that will allow underage users to download their data before their accounts are locked. TikTok is exploring temporary account deactivation for younger users, while Meta—which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—is considering similar measures.
Kick, an emerging Australian alternative to Twitch, averages around 258,000 daily viewers and has been in talks with regulators for months. Reddit, the world’s seventh most-visited website, was also invited to provide feedback before its inclusion in the ban was finalized.
Despite their size and reach, both platforms will be expected to integrate robust age-verification and parental consent mechanisms—or risk multimillion-dollar fines.
While the ban covers major social platforms, it exempts communication and gaming services like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Roblox, as well as educational and professional platforms.
However, eSafety officials confirmed ongoing discussions with companies such as Roblox to introduce further safeguards—particularly around adult-minor communication controls.
“This is a dynamic list,” said Inman-Grant. “We’re closely monitoring new and emerging platforms like Yubo and Bluesky that may attract underage users seeking to bypass restrictions.”
Australia’s age restriction law represents one of the most sweeping efforts worldwide to regulate children’s access to social media. While critics question its practicality and potential enforcement challenges, the initiative underscores a shift in global sentiment: governments are increasingly willing to confront tech giants on issues of safety, privacy, and youth well-being.
By including Reddit and Kick—two platforms emblematic of online anonymity and free expression—the government has sent a clear message that no platform is beyond regulation. The policy could become a blueprint for other nations grappling with how to protect children in an age of algorithm-driven engagement.
Whether this experiment succeeds will depend on both regulatory enforcement and the tech industry’s willingness to prioritize ethics over engagement. For now, Australia has drawn a firm digital line in the sand—and the world is watching.