Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Reddit, Kick Join Snapchat, TikTok, and More
November 4, 2025
The government has run public information campaigns and will keep oversight of evolving apps, including safety guardrails for AI platforms and monitoring beyond initial functions.
Previously, 16 platforms were contacted for compliance, including Discord, Roblox and Twitch, with ongoing assessments on whether they must comply.
Australia expands its world‑first social media ban for under‑16s to include Reddit and Kick, joining Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads with age restrictions taking effect from December 10.
The list of platforms covered by the ban is designed to be dynamic, with eight new platforms now included and more potentially added as assessments continue.
From December 10, platforms must block under‑16s from accounts, with Reddit and Kick added to the group already including Instagram, X and YouTube.
Communications Minister emphasizes there is no room for non‑compliance and the goal is to make a meaningful difference, not to achieve perfection.
Authorities say the list will continue to evolve as ongoing assessments identify additional platforms for potential inclusion.
Policy aims to shield children from predatory algorithms and harmful content, pushing platforms to deploy advanced age‑verification and protective technologies.
Communications Minister says the goal is to protect children from predatory algorithms and harmful content, with platforms urged to deploy sophisticated protective tech.
Officials warn live‑streaming and gaming platforms can attract extremism and predators targeting young males, underscoring the need for protective measures.
Kick is highlighted for rapid growth and favorable creator revenue but has faced content moderation and safety criticisms, including a French government lawsuit linked to a live‑stream incident.
4chan is unlikely to be included due to its nature, while Twitch and Roblox are under ongoing assessment or preparing age‑assurance measures.
eSafety Commissioner has assessed eight platforms for age restrictions and notes potential legal questions about the authority to list or remove platforms, with ongoing assessments.
The eight platforms meet criteria for primarily enabling online social interaction, and the list remains dynamic with potential updates.
Responses from platforms vary: TikTok, Snapchat and Meta indicate compliance; YouTube disagrees and hasn’t ruled out legal action; X opposes the ban; Discord was not on the initial list despite age‑assurance efforts.
Officials stress the ban will evolve, focusing on meaningful protections and urging platforms to implement age checks and safeguards to reduce exposure to harmful content.
Platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under‑16 use or face fines up to 49.5 million AUD; but Roblox and Lego Play are exempt for now, as are some messaging apps like Discord and WhatsApp.
Kick and Reddit are among the eight new platforms added, with Kick noted for its user base and Reddit as a major forum site; inclusion followed submissions and assessment.
Kick is an Australian‑owned livestream platform offering gambling and sexual content in games and multi‑streaming; standalone messaging and online gaming apps are excluded.
Kick has said it will comply and implement age restrictions; it is a Melbourne‑based livestreaming site competing with Twitch and has faced safety concerns.
Senate hearing participants indicate they will begin blocking under‑16 users when the law takes effect, with options like data archiving and account deactivation explored.
Reddit and Kick are among the eight platforms assessed for age restrictions, along with established sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and X.
Reddit is described as an anonymous message board with public forums and private messaging, included among the eight platforms under consideration.
eSafety Commissioner calls for tighter age checks and safety protocols to give young Australians time away from aggressive online environments.
Assessment is ongoing and dynamic, with other platforms like WhatsApp, Twitch, Roblox, Discord, Lego Play and Pinterest under consideration for future inclusion.
The eight platforms are the starting point for the ban, with penalties up to 49.5 million AUD for non‑compliance.
Reddit is described as the sole forum-style site on the list; its inclusion with Kick widens the drive to restrict under‑16 access across major platforms.
eSafety Commissioner and ministers emphasize resources for parents and educators, ongoing assessments, and balanced protections against predatory content.
Officials stress balancing access with protections, urging parental resources and live webinars for guidance.
The dynamic list now includes Reddit, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and X, all required to shut down under‑16 accounts or face fines.
The new rules take effect on December 10.
Platforms not covered may be exempt if they fit categories like messaging, email, calling, or services enabling product information; Roblox and WhatsApp/Messenger are cited as not captured by the new laws.
From December 10, platforms failing to implement reasonable steps face fines up to 49.5 million AUD.
Non‑compliance could lead to penalties of up to 49 million AUD.
Kick is a newly added platform that has pledged cooperation and referenced actions taken against a co‑streamer involved in a live incident.
There is notable pushback from some platforms, such as YouTube and Snap, due to differing core functions; Discord and Roblox remain exempt.
eSafety Commissioner and ministers stress ongoing assessments and the aim to reduce exposure to predatory algorithms and harmful content, while providing parental resources.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Nov 4, 2025
Reddit targeted by Australia’s under-16s social media ban as list of platforms grows
ABC News • Nov 4, 2025
Reddit and Kick added to child social media ban
The Sydney Morning Herald • Nov 4, 2025
Platform being pursued by federal police escapes teen social media ban
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Nov 4, 2025
Huge update on looming social media ban