Australia Expands Social Media Age Restrictions
Starting December 10, users under 16 will be banned from accessing Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick under Australia's expanded social media laws. These platforms join others like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube in complying with new legal obligations.
New Legal Obligations for Platforms
The legislation requires Reddit and Kick to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted the strict measures, warning of penalties reaching A$50 million (about $33 million) for companies that fail to implement age verification systems.
"Platform operators have received comprehensive briefings about the new requirements. There is no excuse for failure to implement this law," said Wells, stressing that these companies already use technology for targeted advertising and content delivery.
Enforcement and Future Plans
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will oversee enforcement of the new rules. She indicated that the list of restricted platforms will grow as new technologies emerge, ensuring ongoing protection for minors online.
Summary
Australia is pioneering legal measures to safeguard minors online by expanding age restrictions to more platforms, backed by significant penalties and active government enforcement.
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