Streaming platform Twitch added to Australia's teen social media ban

"Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, has been added to Australia's teen social media ban which starts next month. It joins other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and Snapchat that must ensure under-16s cannot open accounts and existing ones are closed from 10 December. Australia's internet regulator overseeing the ban said Twitch - owned by Amazon -has been included as its main purpose was "online social interaction" where users were encouraged to chat to each other about posted content."

"On her reasons why Twitch had been included, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it was "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". No more platforms are expected to be added to the ban before the start date next month, Ms Inman Grant said."

Australia's teen social media ban will block under-16s from opening accounts on Twitch from 10 December, and will deactivate existing under-16 accounts from 9 January. The ban already covers Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat and targets platforms whose primary purpose is online social interaction. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant cited Twitch's livestreaming and interactive features as the reason for inclusion. Twitch is owned by Amazon, was founded in 2007, and is primarily used for gaming livestreams. Twitch forbids under-13s and allows 13-to-adult users with parental permission. Pinterest will not be included in the ban.

Read at www.bbc.com