Australia Expands Social Media Restrictions to Reddit and Kick Ahead of December Deadline
CANBERRA – Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has added Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick to a growing list of social media services facing age verification requirements under new legislation aimed at protecting children online. The move, announced as a December 10 deadline approaches, expands the scope of regulations initially focused on larger platforms and has ignited debate over privacy concerns and the practicalities of implementation.
The new rules require platforms with significant user bases to verify the ages of users, aiming to prevent access for those under 16 without parental consent. While platforms like Discord,Roblox,and WhatsApp are currently exempt,the eSafety Commissioner has indicated ongoing assessments could broaden the scope further. The legislation represents an unprecedented attempt to regulate the digital spaces frequented by young people, with the government asserting its intention to shield children from harmful content and the influence of opaque algorithms.
Kick, a platform popular for its gambling content, acknowledged the inclusion and stated it will “continue engaging constructively on these new rules to support fair outcomes: protecting online safety without compromising privacy,” according to a statement provided to Channel News Asia. The company noted Australia represents a small market but emphasized its founding ties to the country.
Commissioner Inman Grant has articulated the government’s objective: to provide children with “valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of opaque algorithms and endless scroll.” The effectiveness of the legislation and its potential impact on user privacy and the broader digital landscape remain key points of contention as the December 10 implementation date nears.
