In a significant move aimed at enhancing online safety for minors, Australia’s eSafety regulator has added Twitch to a list of social media platforms restricted for users under the age of 16. This decision is part of a broader initiative to mitigate the risks associated with digital interactions, which has led to the imposition of potential fines exceeding AUD 49.5 million ($32 million or £25 million) for non-compliance.
Effective December 10, 2025, Twitch, along with nine other platforms–including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok–will be required to implement measures to prevent users below the minimum age from creating accounts. However, users can still access content on these platforms without the necessity of an account.
A spokesperson for Twitch has confirmed that existing accounts belonging to users under 16 years old in Australia will be deactivated starting January 9, 2026. For users outside of Australia, the age requirement remains at 13, provided they have parental or guardian consent if they are below the legal adult age in their respective regions.
The eSafety commission categorizes Twitch as an «age-restricted social media platform» due to its primary focus on enabling social interaction among users, particularly through livestreaming features. This categorization highlights the platform’s potential risks for young users, as eSafety noted in their assessments.
While some platforms, like Pinterest, have been deemed safe as they do not primarily foster user interaction, Twitch’s interactive capabilities pose challenges for underage users. eSafety’s evaluations aim to prepare both families and the industry for the impending social media age regulations taking effect in December. The commission expects all digital platforms in Australia to adhere to these legal obligations, providing tools for self-assessment to facilitate compliance.
Australia’s stringent measures reflect growing concerns over the exposure of minors to harmful online content, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors prevalent on many platforms. Major social media sites generally require users to be at least 13 years old to establish accounts, yet many minors find ways to circumvent these restrictions. By pushing for stricter enforcement, eSafety may advocate for the implementation of age verification systems that could involve government identification, facial recognition, or analysis of online behavior.
Despite the intention to offer safer online environments, a blanket ban may inadvertently lead children to seek out less supervised online spaces. This approach also raises concerns regarding the responsibility placed on technology companies versus the need for more comprehensive education and parental engagement in managing online safety.
Australia’s actions follow a global trend regarding child safety on social media, with countries like Denmark proposing bans on social media for those under 15, albeit with certain parental exceptions for younger users. Meanwhile, France has introduced a «digital age of majority» law requiring age verification and parental consent for users below 15.
In the United States, several states have also begun restricting social media access for users under 18, emphasizing parental oversight amidst ongoing legal discussions about constitutional rights.
While Australia’s regulatory framework aims to protect young users, its success will hinge on fostering digital literacy and support for families, rather than relying solely on punitive measures to control access.
