Which Apps Are Banned Under Australia's Under-16 Social Media Law?

Understanding "Age-Restricted" vs "Exempt"

Age-Restricted Platforms (Banned for Under-16s): Platforms classified as social media services that must implement age verification and block users under 16.

Exempt Platforms (Still Accessible): Services classified as messaging services, educational platforms, or gaming services that do not fall under the social media definition.

The Key Difference:

• Social media = Public or semi-public content sharing, algorithmic feeds, follower systems, emphasis on content discovery
• Messaging/Exempt = Private communication, no public feeds, focus on direct or small group interaction

Age-Restricted Platforms (Banned for Under-16s)

Social Media Platforms

❌ Facebook

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Classic social media with public profiles, feeds, and content sharing
• What happens: Accounts that cannot verify age 16+ will be blocked

❌ Instagram

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Photo/video sharing with public feeds and algorithmic content
• What happens: Requires age verification; under-16s will lose access

❌ TikTok

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Short-form video platform with algorithmic "For You" page
• What happens: Age verification required; accounts blocked if under 16

❌ Snapchat

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Multimedia messaging with public Stories and Discover content
• What happens: Age-restricted features will require verification

❌ X (formerly Twitter)

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Microblogging and public content sharing platform
• What happens: Accounts must verify age or face suspension

❌ YouTube

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Video sharing with public channels, comments, and algorithmic recommendations
• What happens: Main platform requires verification; YouTube Kids may remain accessible
• Note: Educational use exceptions are unclear; schools may provide supervised access

❌ Reddit

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Community-based content sharing and discussion platform
• What happens: Age verification required for access

Live Streaming Platforms

❌ Twitch

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Live streaming with chat and community features
• What happens: Requires age verification to watch or stream

❌ Kick

• Age restriction: 16+ (was 13+)
• Reason: Live streaming platform similar to Twitch
• What happens: Age verification required

Exempt Platforms (Still Accessible)

Messaging Services

✅ WhatsApp

• Age limit: 13+ (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as a messaging service
• Why exempt: Focus is private, direct communication (not public content sharing)
• Note: Owned by Meta (Facebook's parent company)

✅ Signal

• Age limit: 13+ (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as a messaging service
• Why exempt: Privacy-focused messaging with no social features
• Recommended for: Privacy-conscious families

✅ Telegram

• Age limit: 13+ (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as a messaging service
• Why exempt: Primary use is private/group messaging
• Note: Channels and groups blur the line; status may be reviewed

✅ Messenger Kids

• Age limit: Designed for under-13
• Status: Exempt as a parent-controlled messaging service
• Why exempt: Designed specifically for children with parental oversight

Gaming & Community Platforms

✅ Discord

• Age limit: 13+ (unchanged)
• Status: Currently exempt (under review)
• Why exempt: Classified as a communication platform for gaming/communities
• Important: Discord has social features (servers, communities); this exemption may change

✅ Roblox

• Age limit: Varies by content (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as a gaming platform
• Why exempt: Primarily a gaming platform, not social media

✅ Steam

• Age limit: 13+ (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as a gaming platform
• Why exempt: Game distribution and gaming-focused communication

✅ Xbox Live / PlayStation Network

• Age limit: Varies (unchanged)
• Status: Exempt as gaming services
• Why exempt: Gaming-focused platforms with incidental social features

Educational Platforms

✅ Google Classroom

• Status: Exempt as an educational service
• Why exempt: Designed for supervised educational use

✅ Microsoft Teams (Education)

• Status: Exempt as an educational service
• Why exempt: Educational communication and collaboration tool

Comparison: Banned vs Exempt

Why Certain Apps Are Exempt

The eSafety Commissioner uses specific criteria to determine which platforms are age-restricted:

Criteria for "Social Media" Classification:

• Public or semi-public content sharing Users can share content with large, undefined audiences
• Algorithmic content feeds Platform curates content based on engagement, not just chronological or friend-based
• Follower/like systems Emphasis on accumulating followers, likes, and public validation
• Content discovery features "Explore" pages, trending sections, recommendation algorithms
• Profile-based interaction Public or semi-public profiles that can be discovered and followed

Criteria for "Exempt" Status:

• Primary purpose is private communication One-to-one or small group messaging
• No public content feeds No algorithmic recommendation of content
• Educational or gaming focus Platform's primary purpose is not social networking
• Parental oversight built-in Platforms designed for children with parental controls

Gray areas:

• Discord — Has community features but primarily used for gaming communication
• YouTube — Educational content vs entertainment content (may have exceptions for schools)
• Gaming platforms — Social features are incidental to gaming

What This Means for Your Family

If Your Teen Uses Age-Restricted Platforms:

1. They will need to verify their age

   • ConnectID (bank verification), government ID, or facial recognition
   • See our Age Verification Guide for privacy implications

2. If under 16, they will lose access

   • No parental consent override
   • Accounts will be blocked starting December 10, 2025

3. Download data before December 10

   • Photos, messages, contacts
   • See our Data Download Guide

Staying Connected:

Your teen can still communicate with friends through:

• WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram Private messaging apps that are exempt from the ban
• Discord Gaming communities (currently exempt)
• In-person activities Sports, hobbies, school clubs — real-world connection

See our Safe Messaging Apps guide for details.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, always check official sources:

• eSafety Commissioner: www.esafety.gov.au

  • Official list of age-restricted platforms
  • Updates on enforcement and implementation

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

  • Policy updates and legislative changes