Australia's eSafety Commissioner has ordered Twitch to remove accounts for users under 16 when a new social media law takes effect on December 10. Platforms that do not comply face fines up to $32 million. Technology firms call the rules "vague" and experts warn that reliable online age verification will be difficult to implement. Similar proposals are being considered in New Zealand and were recommended in the Netherlands.
Australia's New Social Media Law: Twitch Must Remove Under-16 Accounts or Face Fines
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has ordered Twitch to remove accounts for users under 16 when a new social media law takes effect on December 10. Platforms that do not comply face fines up to $32 million. Technology firms call the rules "vague" and experts warn that reliable online age verification will be difficult to implement. Similar proposals are being considered in New Zealand and were recommended in the Netherlands.
05:19 AM, 11/21/2025Politics
Canberra's online safety regulator has ordered livestreaming platform Twitch to remove all accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 when Australia's stricter social media rules take effect on December 10.
The legislation will require major services — including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — to delete accounts for anyone younger than 16 or face substantial penalties. Platforms that fail to comply could be fined up to $32 million.
Why Twitch was singled out
The eSafety Commissioner said Twitch met the threshold for restriction because it "includes features designed to encourage user interaction, including through livestreaming content." Twitch began as a gaming-focused site but now carries live feeds across many genres.
Twitch has stated that nearly 70% of its viewers are aged 18–34 and that it already prohibits account creation by anyone under 13, but it does not publish detailed data on the number of 13–17-year-old users.
Which services are exempt and what's under review
The regulator said lifestyle site Pinterest, the LegoPlay app and WhatsApp are not being banned at this stage, while other platforms remain under review. Australian authorities have reserved the right to compel any platform to comply with the law.
Criticism and practical challenges
Technology companies have criticised the policy as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed." Experts warn that verifying users' ages online is technically difficult and costly, raising doubts about whether enforcement will be effective or whether the measures will mainly be symbolic.
"Age verification at scale is complex and risks introducing privacy concerns or driving users to less regulated services," said an industry analyst.
International context
The move has drawn international attention as regulators worldwide wrestle with the risks posed by social media. New Zealand's prime minister has signalled plans for a similar bill to curb children's social media use, and the Dutch government earlier advised parents to restrict children under 15 from popular social apps such as TikTok and Snapchat.
As the new law takes effect, platforms, parents and policymakers will be watching closely to see how age checks are implemented and whether the rules achieve their goal of protecting young people online without unintended consequences.