eSafety has informed Twitch it is considered an age-restricted social media platform required to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts, in accordance with Australia's Social Media Minimum Age legislation.
Following Twitch's own self-assessment, eSafety assessed Twitch as meeting the criteria for 'age-restricted social media platform', because it has the sole or significant purpose of online social interaction with features designed to encourage user interaction, including through livestreaming content.
Twitch is a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.
eSafety has also informed Pinterest it does not consider it subject to age restrictions on the basis it does not currently meet the criteria for an 'age-restricted social media platform'.
While Pinterest enables some online social interaction, it is not the significant purpose. Pinterest is more commonly used by individuals collating images for inspiration and idea curation.
From 10 December, Twitch and the previously announced Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube, will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australian children under the age of 16 from having accounts.
Although it is ultimately a matter for the courts whether a service is an age restricted social media platform, eSafety undertook these assessments to assist Australian families and industry prepare for December 10. eSafety expects all online platforms that operate in Australia to assess their obligations under Australian law, including the social media minimum age.
eSafety has provided a self-assessment tool to help industry understand if they are required to comply with the social media minimum age and remains in ongoing discussions with platforms about their compliance obligations and their planned approach towards compliance.
eSafety has been assessing platforms against the criteria set out in the social media minimum age legislation and the Minister for Communications' legislative rules over recent months. This work has occurred in stages, allowing eSafety to release information to the public as some preliminary assessments were completed, and while others were still underway.
There are no further assessments planned in the lead up to 10 December.
