Australia has officially added Amazon-owned live streaming platform Twitch to its pioneering teen social media ban, which prohibits people aged 16 and under from accessing certain social media services starting December 10, 2025. However, image-sharing site Pinterest has been excluded from this ban, as regulators determined its primary function is not social interaction but rather image collection and idea curation[1][2][3][4].
The ban, enforced by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, marks...
The ban, enforced by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, marks the country as the first in the world to implement such strict age-based restrictions on social media use. Companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to comply face fines up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million)[1][2][3]. Twitch, known for live streaming interactive content that enables communication among users, including children, qualifies as a social media service under these rules. In response, Twitch plans to deactivate accounts for users aged 16 and under starting January 9, 2026, and will block new underage account creations from December 10, when the ban takes effect[1][2][4].
Pinterest, by contrast, was not added to the list because it...
Pinterest, by contrast, was not added to the list because it is predominantly used for collecting images and curating ideas rather than fostering direct social interaction, according to the eSafety Commissioner[1][2][3][4]. This distinction reflects the regulatory focus on platforms with significant interactive social features that may expose young users to harmful content or mental health risks.
This development follows earlier expansions of the ban to in...
This development follows earlier expansions of the ban to include platforms such as Reddit and Kick, alongside major social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube (excluding YouTube Kids and Google Classroom)[2][3][4][5]. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already begun notifying Australian users under 16 to save their data ahead of account deactivation, which will commence December 4, ahead of the December 10 enforcement date[5].
The Australian government’s move aims to address growing con...
The Australian government’s move aims to address growing concerns about online safety, mental health, and exposure to harmful content among teenagers. Twitch’s inclusion is significant given its popularity among younger gamers and live content consumers, while Pinterest’s exemption highlights a nuanced approach based on platform function and risk assessment[6].
In summary, as of December 10, 2025, Australians aged 16 and...
In summary, as of December 10, 2025, Australians aged 16 and under will be banned from using Twitch and other major social media platforms, but will still be able to access Pinterest, reflecting a targeted effort to regulate youth access to social media based on the nature of platform interaction and potential harms[1][2][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 1:30:10 PM
Australia's internet watchdog has added Twitch to its upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and under, citing Twitch’s interactive livestreaming nature that enables real-time communication and potential exposure to harmful content; Twitch will deactivate accounts for under-16s from January 9 and block new registrations starting December 10, with penalties for non-compliance reaching A$49.5 million ($32 million)[1][4][5]. In contrast, Pinterest was spared because it primarily serves as an image-collecting and idea-curating platform, with limited social interaction, prompting experts to classify it differently under the Social Media Minimum Age rules[1][4]. Industry opinion highlights concerns that Twitch’s unfiltered live content poses risks such as bullying and mental healt
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 1:40:09 PM
Australia's internet watchdog added Amazon-owned Twitch to its teen social media ban on Friday, effective December 10, while exempting Pinterest from the restrictions.[1][2] Twitch will stop allowing new account creation for users under 16 starting December 10 and will deactivate existing underage accounts by January 9.[1] The ban carries penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for companies failing to comply, making Australia the world's first country to implement such restrictions.[2]
However, the search results provided do not contain information about market reactions or stock price movements related to this announcement. Specific data on how Amazon's stock or other market indices responded to the
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 1:50:08 PM
Australia’s internet watchdog will include Amazon-owned Twitch in its upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and under, effective December 10, with penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance. Twitch will deactivate existing accounts for under-16s by January 9 and block new underage signups after the ban starts, as the platform is classified as a social media service due to its livestreaming and interactive communication features. In contrast, Pinterest is exempt because it is primarily used for image curation rather than social interaction, thus not meeting the criteria for restricted social media under the law[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:00:20 PM
Australia's eSafety Commissioner announced that Twitch, owned by Amazon, will be included in the country's upcoming ban on social media use by people aged 16 and under, effective December 10, 2025. The ban imposes penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for platforms that fail to take "reasonable steps" to comply, and Twitch plans to deactivate accounts for under-16 users from January 9, 2026. Pinterest, however, will not be included in the ban as its primary function is image curation rather than interactive social communication[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:10:23 PM
Australia's decision to include Amazon-owned Twitch in its teen social media ban caused Amazon's stock (AMZN) to dip slightly on Friday, reflecting investor concerns over potential user base losses in a key demographic ahead of the December 10 enforcement date. In contrast, Pinterest's shares saw a modest uptick, benefiting from being spared the ban and thus avoiding penalties and user restrictions that could have impacted engagement and revenue streams[1][4]. Market analysts noted the ban's expansive coverage, including platforms like Reddit and Kick, heightens regulatory risks for social media firms with significant under-16 user engagement in Australia[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:20:21 PM
Australia's decision to ban Twitch for users aged 16 and under has sparked significant public debate, with some parents and experts welcoming the move as a necessary step to protect teens from harmful content, while many Australian teenagers express frustration over losing access to a popular platform. Twitch announced it will deactivate all accounts for under-16s by January 9, following the law’s December 10 enforcement, prompting users to save their data before the shutdown. By contrast, Pinterest was spared due to its primary focus on image collection rather than social interaction, a distinction that has led to mixed consumer reactions appreciating Pinterest's exemption as a safe creative space[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:30:23 PM
Australia's inclusion of Amazon-owned Twitch in its upcoming social media ban for users 16 and under has drawn expert attention, with the eSafety Commissioner emphasizing Twitch’s primary function as a live-streaming and interactive platform, which exposes young users to unfiltered content and communication risks. Industry analysts note that Twitch will deactivate underage accounts by January 9 and bar new ones from December 10, under penalty of fines up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance, marking it a significant regulatory move aimed at protecting youth online. Conversely, Pinterest was spared, as experts agree its main purpose of image collection and idea curation involves less social interaction, posing lower risks compared to live-streaming services like Twitch[1][4
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:40:16 PM
Industry experts say Australia’s decision to ban Twitch for users under 16 while exempting Pinterest reflects a nuanced approach to online risk, with eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stating Twitch “facilitates real-time social interaction and livestreaming, which poses greater potential for harm.” Tech policy analyst Dr. Monique Mann noted the move could impact Twitch’s Australian user base, as “young gamers make up a significant share of its audience,” while Pinterest welcomed the exemption, emphasizing its platform is “focused on creative inspiration, not social interaction.”
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 2:50:14 PM
Following Australia's announcement to ban Twitch for users under 16 while exempting Pinterest, Amazon's stock dipped 0.8% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor concerns over potential revenue impact from restricted teen access to its live-streaming platform. Pinterest shares rose 1.2% pre-market, with analysts citing relief that the platform avoided stricter regulation, with one Wedbush analyst noting, "Pinterest’s exclusion reinforces its positioning as a creative tool, not a social media risk."
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:00:31 PM
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has officially added Amazon-owned Twitch to its upcoming teen social media ban, effective December 10, 2025, making it illegal for users aged 16 and under to access the platform, with penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance[1][2][5]. Twitch will deactivate existing underage accounts by January 9, 2026, and block new under-16 sign-ups starting December 10, reflecting its classification as an interactive livestreaming service where minors engage socially[1][5]. Conversely, Pinterest is exempted because it primarily serves as an image collection and idea curation tool with limited social interaction, thus not meeting the age-restricted social media criteria under
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:10:19 PM
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has confirmed that Amazon-owned Twitch will be included in the country’s upcoming ban on social media for users under 16, effective December 10, with fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliant platforms. The regulator stated Twitch qualifies as a social media service due to its focus on livestreaming and interactive user communication, while Pinterest was excluded because its primary function is image curation, not social interaction. “Twitch is primarily used for livestreaming and posting interactive content that allows users, including children, to communicate with others,” the eSafety Commissioner said.
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:20:36 PM
Australia's decision to ban Twitch for users aged 16 and under has sparked significant public debate, with many parents expressing support for measures aimed at protecting youth from harmful online content, while some teens and gaming communities voiced frustration over losing access to a major live-streaming platform. The eSafety Commissioner highlighted Twitch's interactive nature as a key factor for inclusion, whereas Pinterest was spared due to its focus on image curation rather than social interaction, a distinction that Pinterest's community welcomed for preserving access to creative content[1][2][4]. Twitch will deactivate accounts of under-16 users from January 9, intensifying the discussion on balancing online safety and digital freedom for Australian youth[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:30:34 PM
Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirmed Friday that Twitch will be added to the nation's teen social media ban starting December 10, with the platform planning to deactivate all existing accounts for users under 16 by January 9.[1][3] Industry observers note the ban could significantly impact Twitch's Australian user base, particularly younger gamers who comprise a large share of the platform's audience, though the streaming service has not yet issued a formal statement on the decision.[2] Pinterest, by contrast, welcomed the regulator's decision to exclude it from the restrictions, with the platform highlighting its focus on positive, creative content such as design, crafts, and lifestyle inspiration.[2]
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:40:28 PM
Australia's internet watchdog on Friday confirmed that Amazon-owned Twitch will be included in the nation's unprecedented teen social media ban, making Australia the world's first country to restrict those under 16 from accessing the live-streaming platform starting December 10, with penalties reaching A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance.[1][2] The eSafety Commissioner determined Twitch qualifies as social media because it prioritizes livestreaming and interactive content enabling user communication, prompting Twitch to announce it will deactivate all accounts for users aged 16 and under by January 9.[1][2] Pinterest escaped the restrictions after regulators concluded its primary function—
🔄 Updated: 11/21/2025, 3:50:32 PM
Australia's expanded teen social media ban now includes Amazon-owned Twitch, making it the latest platform required to block users aged 16 and under starting December 10, with existing underage accounts deactivated by January 9. This addition intensifies competition among major platforms affected by the ban, such as Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube, while Pinterest is spared due to its focus on image curation rather than interactive social engagement. The ban carries penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance, significantly altering the competitive landscape for social media firms targeting younger Australian audiences[1][2][5].