Australia Expands Social Media Ban to Reddit and Kick for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit, the leading American social news forum, to its unprecedented social media ban for users under 16 years old. This ban takes effect from December 2025 and expands to include the live-streaming platform Kick and other major sites.
Details of the Ban
- Platforms affected: Reddit, Kick, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Effective date: December 10, 2025.
- Penalties: Tech companies may face fines up to A$50 million (approx. $32.5 million or £25.7 million) for failing to take "reasonable steps" to disable accounts of users under 16 and block new registrations.
Government Rationale
"Each banned platform was chosen because their sole purpose is to enable online social interaction," said the Australian government, noting the list may grow due to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Official Statements
"Delaying children's access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll," said Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells added, online platforms can exert "chilling control" over children, and the ban aims to safeguard youths from such influence.
The expanded restrictions demonstrate Australia's proactive approach to shielding children from the potentially harmful effects of social media, focusing on their wellbeing in a digital environment.
Author's Summary: Australia’s extended social media ban for under-16 users now includes Reddit and Kick, aiming to protect children from harmful content and manipulative online features starting December 2025.