New Rules Could Bar Children Under 16 From WhatsApp, Twitch, Pinterest in Australia

Australia has now made a significant and extensive move towards child safety. The government has further widened the range of the prohibition on social media platforms that have been identified as unsafe for children.

So far, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube were the only ones included on this list of banned platforms. But now, big players like WhatsApp, Reddit, Twitch, and the online game platform Roblox might find their way onto it too. If implemented, kids under the age of 16 won't be able to use these platforms.

This new potential list includes Pinterest, Lego Play, the streaming platform Kickstarter, and several other sites. According to an ABC report, these companies have been given the opportunity to present their case. If a company believes it should be exempt from this ban, it will need to present compelling arguments.

Under Australian regulations, if a company fails to comply with the rules set by the e-Safety Commission, it could face a hefty fine of up to A$49.5 million (approximately ₹290 crore). However, some experts believe the current law is too vague and may be difficult to enforce properly. Affected companies have also described these rules as problematic and hastily drafted.

The government's focus in the upcoming new regulations is also on controlling online adult and AI (artificial intelligence)-generated content. Australia's Communications Minister says that companies will have to self-regulate. Fortunately, Roblox has agreed to measures to protect children in Australia from online grooming.

Now, the regulator will focus more on platforms with high user numbers and higher risks to children. These new regulations are aimed squarely at protecting children and preventing them from online harm.