Australia is expanding its world-first social media ban for children under 16 to include Reddit and Kick, effective December 10. This brings the total number of banned platforms to nine, with companies facing fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million) for non-compliance.

• The ban aims to protect children from "harmful and deceptive design features" like "opaque algorithms and endless scroll," according to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
• Platforms targeted are those where "sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction," including Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.
• While most Australian adults support the ban, critics raise concerns about privacy, age verification accuracy, and the potential for pushing youngsters to less-regulated parts of the internet.