Canberra: Australia has expanded its new social media age restriction law to include Reddit and Kick, adding them to the growing list of online platforms that will soon be off limits to users under 16 years old. The law, which takes effect on December 10, 2025, aims to protect children from harmful online content and digital manipulation.
The decision means platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Snapchat will now be joined by Reddit and Kick under the same rule. These companies will be legally required to take reasonable steps to block users under 16 from creating accounts or accessing their services.
Authorities say that any company failing to comply could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, equal to about 32 million US dollars. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said the move is part of a broader effort to make online spaces safer for young people. Communications Minister Anika Wells added that the list of restricted platforms is not final and may expand as new apps and websites become popular.
Reddit, known for its community discussion boards, and Kick, a livestreaming service, were added after the government identified them as sites with a high level of social interaction among users. The new law defines social media as platforms whose main purpose is to enable people to connect, share content, and interact publicly or privately.
Critics of the policy, however, warn that enforcing age restrictions may not be easy. They argue that without reliable age verification systems, children might still find ways to access these platforms. Others have expressed concerns about privacy risks, saying that verifying age could lead to the collection of personal data from users.
Supporters of the law believe it will help reduce cyberbullying, online grooming, and exposure to harmful content. They also argue that setting a clear minimum age helps parents guide children’s digital habits and protect their mental health.
The Australian government says it will continue reviewing other platforms such as Discord, Roblox, and Twitch to determine whether they also fall under the new regulation. Officials describe the list as “dynamic,” meaning it will change as online trends evolve.
Australia is one of the first countries in the world to implement such strict rules on social media use by minors. The government hopes the move will set an example internationally, encouraging other nations to follow similar steps to keep children safe online.