Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is considering adding over a dozen popular online platforms to its social media ban for users under 16.
Tech giants WhatsApp and Reddit, streaming giant Twitch, and gaming firm Roblox are among the companies that may be affected by the ban. This move is part of the country’s efforts to protect minors from online harm.
The ban, which already includes Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, would make Australia a world leader in regulating social media for minors. The eSafety Commissioner has written to 16 companies, including Pinterest, Lego Play, streaming company Kick, and gaming platform Steam, asking them to self-assess whether they fall under the ban’s remit.
Companies that receive the notice will need to make a case for why they should be exempt from the ban. Julie Inman Grant, head of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, said the regulator will give each company due diligence, adding, “We need to hear them all out.” The regulator will prioritize platforms with the most users, where the risk of harm is highest.
The proposed ban has sparked debate, with some companies describing the laws as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.” Canberra has struggled to determine how platforms will verify user ages, and Communications Minister Anika Wells has conceded that companies will likely need to self-regulate.
Roblox has already pushed back against the ban, arguing that it’s not a social media company and shouldn’t be included. A spokesperson for Roblox said the platform doesn’t allow users to upload real-world photos or videos and doesn’t offer social media feeds in Australia.
The eSafety Commission will be able to fine social media companies up to $32.6 million for failing to comply with the rules. The regulator has also introduced new rules to protect children from “lawful but awful” content, including online pornography and AI chatbots with explicit conversations.
