"Australia's Social Media Ban Widens to Include Reddit Next Month"

Australia Expands Social Media Ban to Include Reddit and Kick, Aimed at Protecting Children Under 16 In a move to protect children from potential harm, Australia has expanded its social media ban to include Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick, effective from December 10. The ban, which targets nine platforms, including Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads, requires tech companies to deactivate existing accounts and prohibit new ones for minors, with fines up to A$50 million for non-compliance. According to the eSafety Commissioner, the ban aims to safeguard children from the potential risks associated with social media, including online harassment, cyberbullying, and exposure to explicit content. "This move is a significant step towards protecting children from the potential harm of social media," said the eSafety Commissioner, according to a statement. The ban, which was first announced earlier this year, has been in the works for several months. It was initially set to target eight platforms, but Reddit and Kick were added to the list after a review of their purposes. "Each banned platform was chosen as their 'sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction,'" said a spokesperson for the Australian government, according to the BBC. The ban will require tech companies to take "reasonable steps" to deactivate existing accounts for under-16s and prohibit new ones. Failure to comply will result in fines of up to A$50 million. The move is being closely watched by global leaders, with many countries considering similar measures to protect children online. The inclusion of Reddit and Kick in the ban has raised concerns among some users, who argue that the platform is not inherently harmful and that the ban will stifle free speech. However, supporters of the ban argue that it is a necessary step to protect children from the potential risks associated with social media. The ban is set to begin on December 10, and tech companies are expected to comply with the new regulations. The eSafety Commissioner has urged parents and caregivers to be aware of the ban and to take steps to protect their children online. In related news, the Australian government has also announced plans to increase funding for online safety initiatives, including education programs and support services for victims of online harassment. The move is seen as a positive step towards creating a safer online environment for children. As the ban approaches, many are watching to see how tech companies will comply with the new regulations. With fines of up to A$50 million at stake, companies are expected to take the ban seriously and take steps to protect children online. The move is a significant step towards protecting children from the potential harm of social media, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the online landscape in Australia and beyond.