Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, has been added to Australia's teen social media ban which starts next month.
It joins other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat that must ensure under-16s cannot open accounts, with existing accounts set to be closed from December 10, 2025.
Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban stated that Twitch, owned by Amazon, was included due to its nature of promoting online social interaction where users chat about posted content.
A Twitch spokesperson confirmed that from December 10, Australians under 16 will not be able to create new Twitch accounts, and existing accounts of users under 16 will be deactivated from January 9, 2026.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted that Twitch is commonly used for livestreaming and enables user interaction about the content posted, hence justifying its inclusion in the ban.
No additional platforms are anticipated to be added to the ban before the start date, according to Ms. Inman Grant.
The government aims to reduce the pressures and risks children face on social media, including harmful content exposure.
Founded in 2007, Twitch has grown significantly as a popular livestreaming platform where users typically play video games while interacting with viewers. Recently, it adjusted its revenue-sharing model to allow creators to earn more from subscriptions through their channels.
Under Twitch’s policy, individuals under 13 are prohibited from using the platform, while those aged 13 to the legal age of adulthood can join with parental permission.
Following this new ban announcement, Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, has also declared plans to start closing accounts for teenagers under 16 ahead of the official ban enforcement.
Some possible enforcement methods for the ban include government identification, facial or voice recognition technology, and age inference based on user activity.
Overall, the social media ban affects several platforms including YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads, and X, with fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.
