Australia intensifies its online safety crackdown as Teenagers will also be banned from this platform..., with Twitch added to the growing list of digital services prohibited for minors. The move aims to protect children from harmful content while reshaping how social platforms operate across the country.

 Australia Tightens Its Digital Borders

In a sweeping escalation of online safety reforms, Australia has announced that Teenagers will also be banned from this platform..., expanding its controversial restrictions on social media access for minors. The latest update targets Twitch, the globally popular live-streaming service known for its interactive chat and real-time gaming broadcasts. As the government deepens its commitment to protecting young users from harmful content, the decision marks one of the most significant regulatory moves affecting digital platforms in the region.

Teenagers Will Also Be Banned From This Platform… Twitch Now Part of the National Ban

Australia’s eSafety Commission confirmed that, beginning 10 December, Twitch will be added to the list of platforms restricted for users under 16. Officials argue that Twitch’s heavy emphasis on live interaction—where viewers engage with streamers and each other through rapid-fire chat—places it firmly in the category of “high-risk” social services.

Unlike some gaming-only platforms that were granted exemptions, Twitch was deemed an environment with intense social engagement, making it unsuitable for younger audiences under the revised child-safety framework.

Starting January 9, 2026, all existing Twitch accounts belonging to under-16 users in Australia will be systematically deactivated. Any company found in breach of the new rules may face crippling fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, placing immense pressure on digital platforms to comply with the government’s strengthened safety protocols.

Pinterest Spared as Authorities Draw Clear Distinctions

Interestingly, Pinterest—a platform typically associated with idea boards, visual inspiration, and project planning—will not be included in the ban. Regulators note that Pinterest functions largely as a content-viewing environment rather than a platform built around direct social interaction. As such, it falls outside the scope of restrictions targeting services that enable real-time communication among users.

A National Strategy to Protect Young Minds

The broader campaign under which Teenagers will also be banned from this platform... reflects a national push to safeguard children’s mental health, reduce exposure to inappropriate material, and limit harmful or predatory online behaviour. Authorities argue that younger users face increasing risks from unmoderated interactions, algorithm-driven content flow, and unfiltered communication channels prevalent on many digital platforms.

Twitch Responds with New Monetisation Options for Creators

Meanwhile, Twitch is moving forward with one of its most significant platform changes. Dan Clancy, Twitch’s chief executive, confirmed that the company plans to extend its financial tools—including subscriptions and Bits—to all streamers by the end of the year.

This marks a departure from the long-standing model that required creators to achieve Affiliate status before they could earn revenue. The shift is expected to broaden access to monetisation for thousands of smaller streamers who previously lacked the reach or audience size to qualify.

Subscriptions, which are split 50/50 between Twitch and creators after taxes and processing fees, remain a core income stream for many content makers. Bits, Twitch’s internal digital currency, provide another source of earnings, with each Bit contributing $0.01 during live broadcasts. These changes are expected to reshape the streamer economy—particularly for newcomers hoping to build an audience in an increasingly regulated environment.

A Digital Landscape in Transition

As Australia reinforces its protective measures, Teenagers will also be banned from this platform... stands as a defining moment for both policymakers and digital companies navigating a new era of regulation. With Twitch now facing stricter age controls and upcoming monetisation reforms, the platform enters a period of significant transformation—mirroring a global debate over youth safety, social media access, and the future of digital communication.