Key Points
- Australia is adding YouTube to its social media ban for children under the age of 16.
- YouTube disagrees, arguing it is a video-sharing platform, not social media, and may challenge the decision in court.
- The ban makes it illegal for kids under 16 to have an account, but adults can still show them videos.
- Companies face a fine of up to A$49.5 million if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the ban.
Australia’s government has reversed its earlier decision. It will now include YouTube in its world-first ban on social media for teenagers under 16. The move comes after the country’s internet regulator released a report finding that more minors reported seeing harmful content on YouTube than on any other platform.
“I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement, emphasizing that the government was acting to protect Australian children. “I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.”
The decision sets up a potential legal battle with YouTube’s parent company, Alphabet. YouTube argues that it shouldn’t be classified as social media because its main purpose is video hosting, and it is increasingly viewed on TV screens. The company has hinted at a court challenge, urging the government “to uphold the integrity of the legislative process.”
The ban, set to take effect in December, makes it illegal for Australians under 16 to have a YouTube account. However, it does not prevent parents or teachers from showing videos to minors. The reversal levels the playing field, as other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok were already covered by the ban and had complained that YouTube’s exemption was unfair.
The law requires social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to keep underage users off their sites, or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million.
