YouTube has officially been added to Australia’s pioneering social media ban affecting children under the age of 16. This decision comes after the government reversed a previous exemption that allowed the platform to operate without restriction. The ban, which will implement limits on social media applications including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat, is scheduled to commence in December.
Under this initiative, teenagers will retain the ability to watch YouTube videos but will not be allowed to create accounts, which are necessary for engaging with the content—either by uploading videos or interacting with others on the site. YouTube, owned by Google, has contended that it should be exempt from such restrictions, characterizing itself as a platform that provides substantial benefits to younger audiences.
Global attention is on Australia as it leads this initiative, prompting countries like Norway to propose similar regulations, while the United Kingdom weighs the prospect of adopting comparable measures. In a press briefing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured Australian parents of his government’s support, emphasizing the necessity of addressing social harm posed by social media on children. He proclaimed, “This is not the only solution... but it will make a difference.”
The call for including YouTube in the ban was echoed by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who identified the platform as the primary source of harmful content viewed by children between the ages of 10 and 15. Following the announcement, a representative from YouTube indicated that the company is evaluating its options and intends to maintain communication with the government.
Last week, it was reported that Google had hinted at potential legal action to challenge the inclusion of YouTube in the ban, asserting that it could deny users political freedoms. Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells articulated the government’s commitment to safeguarding children from predatory algorithms prevalent on social media platforms. She likened the effort to protect children online to “trying to teach your kids to swim in the open ocean with the rips and the sharks.”
Wells assured that the government will remain undeterred by any legal intimidation in their fight for the well-being of Australian children. Exemptions from this ban will apply to online gaming, messaging, educational, and health-related applications, deemed to present fewer social media risks for minors. Under the new regulations, tech companies face fines reaching up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million or £25.7 million) for non-compliance with age restrictions. Companies are tasked with deactivating existing accounts, preventing creation of new accounts, and addressing workaround measures.
Further details regarding the implementation of this ban will be presented to the federal parliament on Wednesday.
