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Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Extended to Twitch

22 November 20251 min read
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRSAustralia’s Under-16Social Media BanExtended to Twitch22 November 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Twitch has been brought within Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions. The rules begin on 10 December 2025 and sit under reforms to the Online Safety Act.

Key facts

  • Start date: 10 December 2025.
  • Maximum penalty for non-compliance: A$49.5 million.
  • Platforms restricted for under-16s: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Twitch.
  • Pinterest is excluded because its content is seen as comparatively low-risk.
  • Legal basis: reforms under the Online Safety Act, reviewed amid worries about screen addiction, grooming and harmful content.

Why Twitch

Authorities pointed to its live-streaming model: real-time broadcasts allow unfiltered interaction that may expose minors to harassment or explicit material, and safeguards for spontaneous content are limited. Twitch had not issued an official response when this was reported, and analysts expected a large effect because many young Australians use it.

Exam angle

  • Note the date (10 December 2025) and the fine (A$49.5 million).
  • Keep the included and excluded platforms straight.
  • Expect questions on global regulation of children’s online safety.

Test yourself

1. From which date do Australia's under-16 social media restrictions take effect?

The restrictions begin on 10 December 2025.

2. What is the maximum penalty for non-compliant platforms under the Australian restrictions?

Companies can be fined up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.

3. Which platform was excluded from the ban after being judged generally low-risk?

Pinterest was excluded because its content is seen as comparatively low-risk.

Sources: GKToday

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 22 November 2025 (13 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizNovember 2025

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