Canberra: Australia has confirmed that YouTube will now be included in its world-first ban on social media use for those under 16, after scrapping an earlier exemption for the platform.
The sweeping legislation, set to come into effect from December, will prohibit children under the age of 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat and now YouTube. While young users will still be able to view content on YouTube, account-based features such as uploading videos, liking, commenting, and subscribing will be restricted.
The inclusion comes despite strong opposition from YouTube’s parent company, Google, which had previously argued that YouTube was not a traditional social media platform and offered ‘benefit and value to younger Australians.’
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, recommended the addition of YouTube, noting it was ‘the most frequently cited platform’ where children aged 10 to 15 encountered harmful content.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed the decision, stating that, “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs. This is not the only solution, but it will make a difference.”
Anna Nekrashevich@Pexels | Cropped by BH
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells remarked that, “We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks and that is why we will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”
Reports last week indicated that Google was considering legal action against the government over the proposed inclusion, citing concerns over political freedom. The new rules will exclude certain platforms and apps, including online gaming, messaging, education, and health services which are deemed to pose fewer risks of social media-related harms to young users.
Tech companies failing to enforce the restrictions could face fines of up to $32.5 million (A$50 million). This includes obligations to deactivate existing underage accounts, block new sign-ups, prevent workarounds, and rectify enforcement failures.
Australia’s approach is drawing global attention, with countries like Norway implementing similar bans and the UK signalling interest in following suit.
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