Australia Expands Social Media Ban to Include Reddit and Kick
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has added Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick to its list of social media services prohibited for users under 16. The ban, effective December 10, targets platforms with prominent peer-to-peer communication and algorithmic engagement. Non-compliant companies face penalties up to AU$49.5 million (US$32 million).
Age verification methods—biometrics, ID checks, or context-based tools—must be implemented despite known error rates. Privacy regulations further complicate compliance, restricting data collection ahead of full enforcement in 2025. The MOVE expands existing restrictions on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.