Livestream giant Twitch will be forced to remove all users under the age of 16 when Australia's strict social media laws take effect next month, Canberra's online regulator said Friday.

From December 10, Australia will force social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines.

The eSafety Commissioner said that the US company Twitch -- which started out as a platform for gaming streamers but now hosts live feeds of various genres -- met its criteria to be banned.

The platform includes "features designed to encourage user interaction, including through livestreaming content", the regulator said.

Lifestyle website Pinterest, LegoPlay and WhatsApp will not be banned, but other platforms remain under review.

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