Australia Expands Teen Social Media Ban to Include YouTube

YouTube will now be included in Australia’s social media ban for teens under 16, prohibiting accounts while allowing video viewing. This move, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the eSafety Commissioner, is aimed at reducing harm from social media to children, even as legal threats from Google loom.

YouTube has officially been added to Australia’s pioneering social media ban affecting children under 16, following the government’s decision to withdraw its previous exemption for the platform. The ban, which is set to take effect in December, primarily targets platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. While teenagers will still have access to view YouTube videos, they will be prohibited from creating accounts, a requirement for uploading content or engaging with others on the site.

YouTube, owned by Google, previously argued that it should not be included in this ban, contending that the platform “offers benefit and value to younger Australians” and should not be classified as social media. Despite these assertions, the Australian government has forged ahead, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating, “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” He acknowledged that while this ban is not a complete solution, it is a necessary step toward safeguarding children.

The push to add YouTube to the ban was driven by recommendations from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who cited it as the most frequently mentioned platform where children aged 10 to 15 encounter harmful content. Inman Grant’s insights seem to resonate globally, as Norway announced a similar ban and the UK also contemplates the action.

Following the government’s announcement, YouTube expressed its intent to “consider next steps,” indicating it may continue discussions with the government. Reports surfaced last week suggesting that Google might resort to legal action if YouTube was subjected to the ban, claiming it could impede political expression.

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells conveyed the necessity of protecting children from online dangers, likening the challenge to swimming in the open ocean, where “predatory algorithms” present risks. She emphasized the commitment to prioritize children's safety, asserting, “We will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”

Certain exclusions to the ban include online gaming, messaging, education, and health apps, which are deemed to pose fewer risks to users under 16. Non-compliance with these new regulations could lead to substantial fines for tech companies, potentially reaching A$50 million. Further details regarding the ban’s implementation will be presented to federal parliament on Wednesday.