Streaming platform Twitch has been added to a social media ban for teens in Australia

Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, has been added to Australia’s social media ban for teens that begins next month.

It joins other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and Snapchat which must ensure that under-16s will no longer be able to open accounts and close existing accounts from 10 December.

The Australian Internet Regulatory Authority, which is overseeing the ban, said the Twitch app – which is owned by Amazon – was listed because its main purpose is “online social interaction” where users are encouraged to chat with each other about posted content.

A Twitch spokesperson said Australians under 16 will not be able to open a Twitch account from December 10, and from January 9, existing accounts for those under 16 will be deactivated.

Regarding the reasons for listing Twitch, E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant said it is “a platform commonly used for live streaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to posted content.”

Ms Inman-Grant said no more platforms were expected to be added to the ban before the start date next month.

The government previously said the ban aims to reduce the “pressures and risks” children can be exposed to on social media, including harmful content.

Founded in 2007, Twitch is a popular live streaming platform where people typically play video games while chatting with viewers.

Last year, it launched plans to share more of its revenue with creators as part of the change, allowing streamers to make money through fans subscribing to their channel.

Revenue is split equally between Twitch and the creator, after fees are paid.

Twitch’s policy prohibits anyone under the age of 13 from using its platform and users who are between 13 and the legal age of majority in their country can join if they have permission from their parent or guardian.

Ms. Inman-Grant also said on Friday that Pinterest, where users aggregate online bulletin boards for images, would not be included in the ban because its primary purpose was not related to online social interaction.

Instead, she said, the platform was “more used by individuals who collect images for inspiration and organizing ideas.”

Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s also includes YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads and X.

The ban means tech companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms or risk a fine of up to $49.5 million (US$32 million, £25 million).

Earlier this week, Meta – which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads – announced that it would begin shutting down the accounts of teens under 16 starting December 4, a week before the official ban.

It is not clear how companies will implement the ban, but some possibilities have included the use of government ID cards, facial or voice recognition and age inference. The latter uses online information other than date of birth — such as online behavior or interactions — to estimate a person’s age.