Australia's Teen Social Media Ban Expands to Include Twitch

Sat Dec 20 2025 15:03:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Twitch, the popular streaming platform, has been added to Australia's upcoming ban on social media accounts for users under 16, which will take effect on December 10.

As part of a significant regulatory measure aimed at curbing online interactions among minors, Australia's eSafety Commissioner has announced that Twitch will be included in the social media ban for teenagers, effective December 10. Under this policy, under-16s will be unable to create new accounts, and existing accounts will be deactivated from January 9, 2026. This move aligns Twitch with other major platforms like Facebook and TikTok in the government initiative to protect children online.

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 December 10.

Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban stated that Twitch, owned by Amazon, has been included as its main purpose involves online social interaction where users are encouraged to chat about posted content.

A Twitch spokesperson clarified that Australians under 16 will not be able to open an account starting December 10, and from January 9, existing under-16 accounts will be deactivated.

On elaborating the inclusion of Twitch in the ban, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it is a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.

No additional platforms are anticipated to be added to the ban before its start date next month, according to Ms. Inman Grant.

The government has explained that the ban aims to reduce the pressures and risks children may encounter on social media, including exposure to harmful content.

Founded in 2007, Twitch serves as a major livestreaming platform where users typically engage with audiences while playing video games.

Last year, Twitch introduced plans to enhance revenue sharing with creators, allowing streamers to earn through user subscriptions.

The revenue is split equally between Twitch and the creator after applicable fees are deducted.

Moreover, Twitch's policy bans anyone under 13 from the platform, allowing users aged 13 and above to join with parental permission.

Ms. Inman Grant also noted that platforms like Pinterest are excluded from the ban, as its core function involves idea curation rather than social interaction.

Australia's unprecedented under-16s social media ban includes platforms like YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads, and X.

The ban mandates that tech companies take reasonable steps to prohibit under-16s from accessing their platforms or risk facing fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million, GBP 25 million).

Earlier this week, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, announced it would begin closing accounts belonging to teenagers under 16 starting December 4, one week ahead of the official ban.

How companies will enforce the ban remains unclear, but potential measures include the use of government identification, face or voice recognition technology, and age inference based on user behavior.

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