Reddit added to Australia's social media ban on under-16s

"From 10 December, tech companies can be fined up to A$50m ($32.5m; 25.7m) if they do not take "reasonable steps" to deactivate existing accounts for under-16s and prohibit new ones. Each banned platform was chosen as their "sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction," the government said, and more sites may be added given the "fast-changing" nature of technology."

"It is unclear how companies will implement the ban - which is being closely watched by global leaders - but some of the potential methods include using official ID documents, parental approval and facial recognition technology. Critics have raised concerns over data privacy and the accuracy of age verification software, with a recent report showing the proposed methods all have risks or shortcomings."

Australia will prohibit children under 16 from using nine named social media platforms beginning 10 December, with tech companies facing fines up to A$50m for failing to deactivate existing under-16 accounts or block new ones. Platforms targeted include Reddit, Kick, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Threads, selected because their primary purpose is online social interaction. Potential enforcement methods mentioned include official ID checks, parental approval and facial recognition, while critics warn these methods pose privacy and accuracy risks. Some messaging, gaming and educational platforms are explicitly excluded from the ban.

Read at www.bbc.com