Australia Bans Twitch for Under 16s Nationwide

Australia has implemented a significant nationwide ban prohibiting users under the age of 16 from accessing the livestreaming platform Twitch. This measure extends the country's existing restrictions, which already encompass platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, explained that Twitch was added due to its primary function as a livestreaming service where young users might interact with content.

The new law mandates that all included platforms must actively take 'reasonable steps' to prevent underage individuals from using their services. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in considerable financial penalties. This initiative represents Australia's firm stance on protecting minors in the digital realm, with no other platforms currently slated for inclusion before the legislation's commencement next month.

This Australian ban is occurring as other nations explore similar measures. Earlier this month, lawmakers in an unspecified country reached a bipartisan agreement for a comparable ban for users under 15. In the United States, various states have proposed similar age restrictions, though many have faced legal challenges or failed to pass. These efforts underscore a growing global trend toward stricter online age verification and content moderation for young people.