Australia Under-16 Social Media Ban: What It Means for Twitch and Kick
Australia has passed landmark legislation banning users under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The law takes effect in December 2025, and it doesn’t just cover Instagram and TikTok. Twitch, Kick, and similar streaming platforms are included in the ban.
Here’s what young gamers and streamers in Australia need to know.
Why Twitch and Kick Are Included
Effective Date: December 2025
Platforms Affected: Twitch, Kick, YouTube, Reddit, and more
Maximum Penalty: Up to $49.5 million AUD for non-compliance
Parental Consent: Not allowed under this law
The Australian government classifies platforms as “social media services” based on their features, not just their primary purpose. Twitch and Kick qualify because they enable:
- Following other users and building a profile
- Live chat and real-time interaction
- Posting clips, highlights, and content
- Messaging and community features
Because these platforms are built around social interaction, they fall under the same rules as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The law requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to remove existing accounts held by minors.
What Under-16s Can and Can’t Do
The ban specifically targets account creation and interactive features. Here’s the breakdown:
Viewing content without an account means no interaction with the community. Under-16s lose the social aspects that make streaming platforms engaging.
Platforms like Steam, Roblox, and Minecraft are not currently banned because they’re classified primarily as gaming services rather than social media. Messaging apps like Discord and WhatsApp are also exempt for now, though the government may review them later.
How Platforms Are Enforcing the Ban
Both Twitch and Kick will need to implement age verification that goes beyond self-reported birthdates. The law requires more than one verification method, which may include:
- Government-issued ID verification
- Video selfies analyzed by AI
- Cross-referencing with identity databases
Australian users may be prompted to verify their age when creating accounts or logging in. Accounts identified as belonging to under-16s will be deactivated. For more context on how streaming platforms handle account enforcement, see this complete guide to Twitch bans and platform policies.
Platforms face significant penalties for failing to comply. The maximum fine is approximately $49.5 million AUD, giving companies strong incentive to enforce the rules.
Impact on Young Gamers and Streamers
For under-16 gamers who rely on Twitch and Kick communities, this represents a major shift. Many young users have built followings, participated in gaming communities, and connected with friends through these platforms.
For young streamers: Under-16 content creators will need to stop using Twitch and Kick accounts. Their channels will be deactivated, and they’ll need to wait until turning 16 to resume streaming on these platforms. In the meantime, aspiring creators can study how to grow on Twitch so they’re ready to build an audience when they’re eligible.
For parents: The law removes any option to consent on behalf of children. Unlike previous age restrictions where parents could allow account creation, this ban is absolute for under-16s.
The government’s reasoning centers on concerns about cyberbullying, inappropriate content exposure, and the addictive nature of social features like live chat and algorithmic recommendations. However, critics point out that many young gamers use these platforms for positive community connections, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth who may rely on online spaces for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Australia’s under-16 social media ban apply to Twitch?
Yes. Australia classifies Twitch as a social media service because it includes features like following, live chat, messaging, and community building. Under-16s will be blocked from creating accounts starting December 2025.
Can under-16s still watch Twitch streams in Australia?
Yes. Under-16s can still watch public streams and videos on Twitch and Kick without logging in. However, they cannot participate in chat, follow streamers, or interact with the community.
What happens to existing under-16 accounts on Twitch and Kick?
Platforms are required to take reasonable steps to remove existing accounts belonging to users under 16. This means existing accounts held by Australian minors will be deactivated.
Can parents give permission for under-16s to use Twitch in Australia?
No. The Australian law removes the option for parental consent. Unlike previous age restrictions, parents cannot authorize their children under 16 to create accounts on covered platforms.
What Comes Next
The Australian government plans to review the ban’s effectiveness by the end of 2025 and may expand it to include additional platforms with strong social features, potentially including Discord or Roblox.
For now, young Australian gamers will need to adapt to watching streams without participating in chat, or find alternative ways to connect with gaming communities. Once they turn 16, they can explore streaming tools to help build their presence. The law represents one of the strictest approaches to youth social media regulation globally, and other countries are watching closely as they consider similar measures.