Twitch Must Block Australian Teens From Its Platform, Pinterest Excepted

Twitch is included in the youth social media ban list (photo: sit. unsplash)

JAKARTA Australia's Internet Supervisory Agency added a new line of platforms to the list of social media bans for teens. This list includes Twitch, Amazon's live streaming service.

The institute explains that Twitch meets the requirements as a social media service because of its interactive nature. This platform is used for live streaming and uploading content that allows users to communicate with others.

Twitch also obeys these rules. In response, Twitch plans to deactivate all user accounts aged 16 and under from January 9, 2026. In addition, Twitch will ban new underage users from creating accounts after the ban takes effect.

This decision makes the list of platforms banned for teens even more. Previously, the agency added Reddit and Kick, completing a list that already includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

In contrast, Pinterest will not be added to the same list of bans. Australia's supervisory agency argues that the main objective of the service is to collect images and curate ideas, not for social interactions.

The agency also stated that there would be no further assessment before the regulation took full effect on December 10. The list of platforms that are required to comply with the ban is now final and will not change.

Australia will be the first country in the world to ban people aged 16 years and under from using social media. This rule will be enforced with a large fine for companies that fail to comply.

Companies that violate and fail to take 'natural measures' to comply with the ban can be fined up to $32 million. This move demonstrates the seriousness of the Australian government in protecting young users.