Australia adds Amazon’s Twitch to teen social media ban

Australia’s internet watchdog on Friday said it would include Amazon.com-owned live streaming service Twitch in its upcoming teen social media ban, but will not add image-sharing platform Pinterest to the list. From December 10, Australia will become the world’s first country to bar people aged 16 years and under from using social media, with penalties up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply. * The eSafety Commissioner said Twitch qualifies as a social media service because it is primarily used for livestreaming and posting interactive content that allows users – including children – to communicate with others. * Twitch plans to deactivate all user accounts for people aged 16 and under from January 9, and will bar new under-age users from creating accounts once the ban comes into force next month. * Pinterest, however, will not be added to the list. The eSafety Commissioner said that while it allows some online social i