According to Gizmodo, starting December 10, Australia will add Reddit and Kick to its list of social media platforms banned for users under 16. The country’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, announced the restrictions which now include TikTok, X, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms themselves must figure out how to prevent underage users from creating accounts or face fines up to AU$49.5 million. This regulatory approach stems from expanded powers granted to the eSafety Commissioner in 2022 following outrage over the spread of Christchurch mosque shooting footage. The government expects companies to self-assess whether they need to ban kids without direct intervention. Reddit’s inclusion means 14-year-olds theoretically won’t be able to post on subreddits like r/Im14andthisisdeep or anywhere else on the platform.
Who’s Actually Doing the Work Here?
Here’s the thing that jumps out immediately: Australia isn’t building the technology to enforce this. They’re essentially telling platforms “figure it out yourselves or pay up.” That’s a massive burden shift. Companies now have to develop age verification systems that work across an entire country – and we’ve seen how well that’s gone elsewhere.
Remember when YouTube tried age-gating content? Or when various platforms implemented “are you over 18?” checkboxes that anyone could click through? Basically, we’re looking at either incredibly invasive data collection (hello, privacy concerns) or completely ineffective solutions that kids will bypass in minutes.
The Ever-Growing Ban List
What started as targeting major platforms keeps expanding. According to reports, Roblox, OpenAI’s Sora, Discord, Steam, and Twitch are all on the government’s radar. That’s practically the entire digital social landscape for teens. Where does this end?
Think about it – these platforms aren’t just for entertainment. They’re where kids connect with friends, explore interests, and sometimes even do schoolwork. A blanket ban feels like using a sledgehammer when maybe a scalpel would be more appropriate. And let’s be real – determined teens will find workarounds, whether through VPNs, lying about their age, or moving to platforms the government hasn’t caught up with yet.
This Isn’t How America Does It
The article notes this approach would look “alien” to Americans, and they’re right. The eSafety Commissioner has powers that combine elements of the FCC and FTC but with a much stronger focus on content regulation. This isn’t just about privacy or data protection – it’s about outright access.
After the Christchurch shootings spread across social media, Australia was determined to take action. The initial legislation faced criticism for being rushed, and now we’re seeing the practical implementation. But does banning Reddit for 15-year-olds actually address the root problems of online harm? Or are we just creating digital dead zones that push activity elsewhere?
The Enforcement Nightmare
So how exactly is Reddit supposed to verify the age of every Australian user? Facial recognition? Government ID uploads? Credit card checks? Each option comes with massive privacy implications and technical challenges. And what about existing users who are under 16 – are they getting kicked off en masse on December 10?
The Guardian coverage suggests platforms are expected to use “industry-standard age verification” – but industry standard for what? Social media age verification is notoriously unreliable. We’re basically asking companies to solve a problem that nobody has successfully solved at scale.
Meanwhile, as the BBC noted back in 2019 when Australia first started down this path, there are serious questions about whether blanket bans actually protect kids or just drive their online activity underground. When you make something forbidden, you often make it more appealing – and less supervised.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hi there i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment due to this good piece of writing.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Right now it seems like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hey there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Hi there, You have done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Right now it looks like Movable Type is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Hey there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your page. Im really impressed by your blog.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
At this time it appears like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
Currently it sounds like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Currently it looks like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve you guys to our blogroll.
I visit everyday a few web sites and sites to read content, but this weblog offers quality based content.
Can I just say what a comfort to find an individual who truly knows what they’re talking about on the internet. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you certainly have the gift.
Currently it sounds like Drupal is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Currently it looks like WordPress is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your site. Im really impressed by your blog.
Aw, this was a really good post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hey there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and individually suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
Currently it seems like Drupal is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Greate post. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog. Im really impressed by your site.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
hello!,I like your writing so a lot! share we be in contact extra approximately your post on AOL? I need a specialist in this house to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look forward to peer you.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
Greate article. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog. Im really impressed by your site.
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say excellent blog!
May I simply just say what a relief to uncover an individual who genuinely knows what they’re talking about on the net. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people should look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.
At this time it appears like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
At this time it seems like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Aw, this was a very good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
At this time it seems like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of info on your page. Im really impressed by your blog.
At this time it appears like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say great blog!
Right now it looks like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Hey there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Can I simply just say what a relief to find somebody that truly understands what they are discussing online. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people should look at this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you most certainly have the gift.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Right now it appears like Movable Type is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and individually recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Can I simply say what a relief to uncover somebody that really knows what they are discussing on the web. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Right now it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
At this time it seems like Movable Type is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Right now it sounds like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.