Australia just dropped a bombshell regulation—no social media access for anyone under 16. The ban hits major platforms hard: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, Kick, and even YouTube. Pretty aggressive move.

But here's where it gets interesting. Discord, Roblox, Steam, and YouTube Kids all got a free pass. The exemptions raise questions—why gaming-focused platforms escape while short-form video giants don't? Seems like regulators drew arbitrary lines based on "perceived risk" rather than actual usage patterns.

This could set a precedent. If other countries follow Australia's playbook, centralized social platforms might face stricter age verification systems globally. Meanwhile, decentralized alternatives that don't collect user data could see increased interest from younger demographics looking for workarounds. Regulatory pressure often accelerates innovation in unexpected directions.