Australia has widened its new rule that blocks children under 16 from using major social media platforms, adding Reddit and the livestreaming service Kick to the growing list. The requirement will apply from December 10 and places these platforms alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.
The government said that platforms must take reasonable steps to keep younger children off their services. Any platform that fails to follow the law could face a penalty of up to 50 million Australian dollars which is about 33 million dollars. Communications Minister Anika Wells said this message has been clearly delivered in recent meetings with platform representatives. She explained that companies already use advanced tools to target young users and should use the same tools to keep them safe. Wells said there is no excuse for failing to implement the rule.
Australia’s online safety authority will enforce the ban. The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the list of restricted platforms will change as new technologies appear. The government said the selected platforms meet the condition that their sole or major purpose is to support online social interaction.
Inman Grant also said that she will work with researchers to study how the ban affects children and families. The study will examine changes in habits such as sleep, physical activity and social interaction. She said they will also watch for possible unintended effects and build evidence to guide others who are observing Australia’s approach.
Several countries have shown interest in the move. A European leader recently said at an international forum that she was inspired by Australia’s effort to set an age limit for social media access.
While supporters say the rule protects young children, critics argue it may raise privacy concerns for all users because people would need to confirm they are older than 16. The government has said it aims to keep personal data as private as possible. Last year a large group of academics from Australia and abroad signed a letter to the prime minister. They said an age limit may be too simple an approach to address the full range of online risks.
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