Australia adds Twitch to teen social media ban, Pinterest exempted

In a significant move just weeks ahead of its social media restrictions for users under 16, Australia’s eSafety regulator has officially added Twitch to the list of platforms banned for this age group. Conversely, Pinterest has been exempted from these restrictions under the nation’s Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) legislation. Starting December 10, Twitch will prohibit Australians under the age of 16 from creating new accounts. Existing accounts for this demographic will be deactivated on January 9, as confirmed by a Twitch spokesperson to TechCrunch. While Twitch generally permits users ages 13 and older globally, minors must involve a parent or guardian in their account management according to regional laws. Australia’s eSafety has classified Twitch as an “age-restricted social media platform” due to its focus on social interaction and features like live-streaming. Pinterest, however, is primarily used for gathering images and ideas, leading to its exclusion from the age-restriction rules. The impending social media ban will also impact major platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube—excluding YouTube Kids and Google Classroom—as well as Reddit and the local streaming service, Kick. These platforms will be obligated to block account access for users under 16, as outlined by the internet regulator. This legislation, passed about a year ago, faced calls from tech giants like Google and Meta to postpone its enforcement until the completion of an age-verification trial. To aid compliance, the regulator has provided a self-assessment tool that platforms can use to determine their obligations under the SMMA. Similar initiatives are being undertaken in other countries, including the U.S. and U.K., albeit with varying approaches. As of August 2025, 24 U.S. states have enacted age-verification laws, with Utah leading the way by requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and secure parental consent for minors downloading apps. In the U.K., the Online Safety Act, effective since July, compels social media and online platforms to block children's access to harmful content or risk substantial fines, necessitating robust age checks for high-risk content aimed at protecting users under 18.