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Australia’s eSafety watchdog added Twitch to the list of social media platforms banned for users under 16, while Pinterest was excluded due to its focus on image collection rather than social interaction. The ban will restrict new accounts for minors starting December 10, with existing underage accounts deactivated by January 9. Twitch’s inclusion stems from its livestreaming and engagement features, contrasting with Pinterest’s primary use for idea sharing. The policy targets platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (excluding Kids and Classroom), expanding Australia’s youth protection measures. This decision follows a national law passed last year to limit underage access to social media.
Key facts
- Australia’s eSafety watchdog added Twitch to the underage social media ban due to its social interaction features.
- Pinterest was exempted as it is primarily used for image collection rather than online engagement.
- The ban restricts new accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, with existing accounts deactivated by January 9.
- Twitch is categorized as age-restricted because of its livestreaming and real-time interaction capabilities.
- The policy applies to major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (excluding YouTube Kids and Google Classroom).
TAGS:
#age restrictions #age verification laws #Australia social media ban #digital rights #online safety #Pinterest #platform regulation #Social media regulation #Twitch #youth protection
