Livestream giant Twitch will be forced to remove all users under the age of 16 when Australia's strict social media laws take effect next month, Canberra's online regulator said on Nov. 21
From Dec. 10, Australia will force social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines.
The eSafety Commissioner said that Twitch met its criteria to be banned.
The platform includes "features designed to encourage user interaction, including through livestreaming content," the regulator said.
Pinterest, LegoPlay and WhatsApp will not be banned, but other platforms remain under review.
Twitch says that nearly 70 percent of viewers are aged between 18 and 34, but does not disclose how many are younger. It does not allow any users under the age of 13.
Australian authorities have reserved the right to force all platforms to comply with the legislation.
Tech companies have been critical of Australia's ban, describing it as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed."
There is keen interest in whether the sweeping restrictions can work as regulators around the globe wrestle with the potential dangers of social media.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will introduce a similar bill to restrict children's social media use.
And the Dutch government advised parents this year to forbid children under 15 from using social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
