Australia’s eSafety Commissioner announced Friday that Amazon-owned Twitch will be included in the country’s upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and under, while Pinterest will be exempted from the restrictions.
Starting December 10, Australia will become the first country to prohibit minors under 16 from using social media. Platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million).
The regulator classified Twitch as a social media service because it allows real-time video streaming and live interaction between users, including minors. Twitch said it would disable all accounts belonging to users under 16 and block new registrations from January 9 onward.
In contrast, Pinterest was excluded after regulators determined that its primary function is “creative curation and inspiration,” not direct social networking.
The ban already covers Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and Kick. Officials said no further platforms will be reviewed before the law takes effect.
Analysts say the move will force tech companies to rethink youth engagement strategies and could set a precedent for other countries seeking to regulate online safety among minors.