Twitch Added to Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:48:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The streaming platform Twitch has been included in Australia's upcoming ban on social media for users under 16, enhancing the effort to safeguard young individuals online.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has announced that Twitch will be part of the nation's social media restrictions aimed at under-16 users, effective December. This move aims to protect children from potential risks associated with online interactions, joining other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, has been added to Australia's teen social media ban which starts next month.

It joins other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat that must ensure under-16s cannot open accounts and existing ones are closed from 10 December.

Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban stated that Twitch, owned by Amazon, was included due to its primary function of online social interaction where users are encouraged to chat about posted content.

A Twitch spokesperson confirmed that Australians under 16 would not be able to open a Twitch account from 10 December, and existing accounts for under-16 users will be deactivated from 9 January.

Regarding the inclusion of Twitch, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that it is a platform commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that encourages interaction, particularly among Australian children.

No additional platforms are expected to be added to the ban prior to the start date next month, said Ms Inman Grant.

The Australian government has previously indicated that the ban is designed to reduce the pressures and risks children face on social media, including exposure to harmful content.

Founded in 2007, Twitch has become a leading livestreaming service mainly for video gaming while facilitating viewer interaction.

Last year, Twitch launched initiatives to share increased revenue with content creators, allowing streamers to earn income through fan subscriptions.

The platform restricts users under the age of 13 and allows those aged between 13 and the legal age of adulthood to join with parental consent.

Inman Grant also clarified that while platforms like Pinterest, which focuses on image curation, will not be included in the ban, others such as YouTube, Reddit, and Threads will be part of the restrictions aimed at protecting minors.

This unprecedented move to limit social media access for users under 16 could involve measures such as requiring government IDs or utilizing advanced technologies to verify user ages, as companies brace for potential fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already announced plans to start closing accounts of teenagers under 16 from 4 December, pre-emptively enforcing the regulations.