Is Australia Banning Discord?

Australia's Social Media Ban: A New Era of Online Protection

Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking social media ban that will take effect on December 10, 2025. This initiative aims to shield children under the age of 16 from the potential risks associated with online platforms, such as cyberbullying and harassment. The regulation mandates that social media companies verify users' ages and deactivate accounts for those who are underage.

Key Platforms Affected by the Ban

The list of platforms currently required to enforce these age restrictions includes major names like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads. These platforms will offer under-16s two primary options: temporarily deactivating their accounts or completely deleting them. In both cases, teens will have the opportunity to download all their content before making a decision.

How Age Verification Will Work

The eSafety Commissioner has outlined that platforms must take "reasonable steps" to identify users under 16. However, the specific methods for age verification are left to the discretion of each company. For instance, YouTube plans to use the age listed in a user’s Google account along with other signals, such as account activity and behavioral metrics. Similarly, Snapchat intends to employ similar strategies.

Meta, on the other hand, has chosen not to disclose its methods, citing concerns about potential loopholes that could be exploited by minors.

The Role of the eSafety Commissioner

It is crucial to note that the transition will not happen abruptly. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has emphasized that the implementation process will be gradual, acknowledging the technical challenges involved. She mentioned that the focus will be on platforms with the highest proportion of underage users, adopting a risk-based approach to compliance and enforcement.

Is Discord Next?

While Discord is currently exempt from the social media ban, it remains a topic of discussion. The platform, which serves primarily as a communication tool for gaming and collaboration, also features elements akin to social media, such as text, voice, and video messaging, public servers, and content sharing.

The government has indicated that the list of banned apps is dynamic, leaving room for future additions. Therefore, the possibility of Discord being included in the ban cannot be ruled out, especially given its hybrid nature between gaming and social interaction.

The Rise in Interest in VPNs

With the potential for increased age verification measures, there has been a surge in interest in the best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These tools can help users bypass age restrictions, although it is essential to use them responsibly and within legal boundaries.

Legal Uses of VPNs

When testing and reviewing VPN services, the focus remains on legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country, subject to the terms and conditions of that service.
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

It is important to emphasize that the illegal or malicious use of VPN services is not supported or condoned. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Conclusion

As Australia moves forward with its social media ban, the landscape of online platforms is evolving. While some services are already under scrutiny, others remain in a grey area. The impact of this legislation will likely shape the future of digital interactions, prompting ongoing discussions about online safety and the role of technology in protecting younger users.