According to TechRadar, Australia’s controversial social media ban has expanded to include Reddit and Kick, joining major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and X. The world-first law takes effect December 10, 2025, and will fine companies up to A$50 million for failing to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services. Communications Minister Anika Wells has taken a firm stance, telling platforms there’s “no excuse for failure” after recent meetings. The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirms this is a “dynamic list” that could grow as technology evolves. Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to detect and remove underage users, though what constitutes reasonable remains undefined.
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The privacy nightmare nobody’s talking about
Here’s the thing that worries me most about this legislation: the age verification methods required could create a massive data security problem for everyone. We’re talking about platforms potentially needing to collect biometric data or sensitive identity documents just to prove you’re old enough to scroll through memes. And honestly, does anyone trust social media companies with that level of personal information?
Look, I get the intention behind this law. Protecting kids from harmful content and predatory algorithms sounds great in theory. But the implementation feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Basically, we’re creating a system where every Australian’s private data becomes collateral damage in the name of child protection.
The “reasonable steps” problem
So what exactly are “reasonable steps” to verify age? The government hasn’t defined this clearly, which leaves tech companies in a bind. They could face those massive A$50 million fines if they guess wrong about what regulators consider reasonable. This ambiguity creates exactly the kind of regulatory uncertainty that makes compliance nearly impossible.
And let’s be real – tech-savvy teenagers will absolutely find ways around these restrictions. As we’ve seen in other countries with platform-specific bans, young users quickly turn to tools like the best VPN services to mask their location and bypass age gates. So we’re potentially compromising everyone’s privacy for measures that determined kids will easily circumvent.
Why the world is watching
Australia is essentially becoming the global test case for this type of legislation. Other governments are watching closely to see if they can replicate this approach. But the inclusion of platforms like Reddit – with its thousands of diverse communities – and Kick, known for gambling content, shows how complicated this gets in practice.
As Kick’s spokesperson told Channel News Asia, they’ll “continue engaging constructively on these new rules to support fair outcomes.” But let’s be honest – when a platform admits Australia is a “small market” for them, how much effort will they really put into compliance?
The fundamental question remains: Can we actually protect children online without creating a surveillance state for everyone else? December 2025 will give us our first real-world answer, but I’m deeply skeptical about the trade-offs we’re being asked to make.
