Australia’s world-first social media ban will take effect on December 10, barring children under 16 from accessing or holding accounts on certain social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
The ban will also affect some video game platforms, though not the games themselves. Platforms that allow children to play games or watch others stream gameplay may fall under the legislation if their “sole or significant purpose” is enabling online social interaction between users, according to the eSafety Commissioner.
Some video game-related platforms are included in the ban, while others are exempt. Twitch, a streaming platform popular for broadcasting gameplay, will be affected. In contrast, Discord, Steam, and Steam Deck are not included. No specific consoles or video games, such as PlayStation or Xbox, are currently banned, even though they allow text or voice communication between players.
Roblox, a widely used game-creation platform for children, is not included in the ban. However, the company will implement age verification systems in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands starting this month, with a global rollout planned for the new year.
