Reddit Added to Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia’s upcoming restriction on social media use by children under 16 has been expanded to include Reddit. The Guardian reported that Communications Minister Anika Wells announced this addition on Wednesday.
The nationwide law, set to take effect on December 10, prohibits minors from accessing major social platforms such as Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and now Reddit. Wells also confirmed that Australian streaming platform Kick would be part of the ban.
According to the government, the current list is only the beginning, and more platforms could be added in the future. YouTube, initially exempt for its educational value, was later included following pushback from other companies already subject to the law.
The legislation shifts responsibility from parents to social media companies, requiring them to take active steps to block underage users. Platforms that fail to implement adequate protections could face fines up to AU$49.5 million (about $32 million).
“There’s a time and place for social media in Australia, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms, harmful content and toxic popularity metrics manipulating Australian children,” said Anika Wells. “Online platforms can target children with chilling control. We are mandating they use that sophisticated technology to protect them.”
Author’s Summary
Australia expands its under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick, enforcing strict responsibility on platforms to protect children from harmful content.