Key Points
- YouTube will comply with Australia’s new law banning social media accounts for kids under 16.
- Starting December 10, all underage users will be automatically signed out of their accounts.
- Logged-out users can watch videos but cannot interact (like, comment, subscribe) or post content.
- YouTube is complying despite disagreeing with its classification as a social media platform.
Google’s YouTube has confirmed it will comply with a groundbreaking Australian law that bans social media accounts for children under 16. The decision marks a significant moment, as it means all major platforms popular with young people have now agreed to follow the new rules.
Initially, YouTube received an exemption because it argued its main purpose was video viewing and education, not social networking. However, the Australian government later expanded the law to include the platform after complaints from its competitors.
In a blog post this week, YouTube stated, “We will comply with the law and implement age restrictions as required,” while still maintaining that it is “fundamentally different” from other social media services.
The law, which takes effect on December 10, is being watched closely by governments around the world. It sets a major global precedent for how tech giants must balance child safety with user access.
Starting on that date, any Australian YouTube user under 16 will be automatically signed out of their account. While they can still watch videos, they will no longer be able to subscribe to channels, like or comment on posts, or upload their own content. The company also warned caregivers that since parental controls only work when a child is signed in, those settings will no longer apply.
Platforms that violate the ban face staggering fines of up to A$49.5 million. Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have all previously agreed to comply. Only Elon Musk’s X and Reddit have not yet publicly committed to following the law.
