Australia announced on Wednesday that it will extend its world-first teen social media ban to include YouTube, reversing a previous exemption for the Alphabet-owned platform. This decision follows a recommendation from the internet regulator, which cited a survey showing that 37% of minors reported encountering harmful content on YouTube, the highest among social media platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that online platforms are negatively affecting Australian children and emphasized social media’s responsibility. He assured parents that the government has their support.
The expanded ban will take effect in December and now includes YouTube, which is used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15. YouTube, however, disagrees, arguing it is a video-sharing platform, not social media, and its main function is to host videos.
While platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have criticized the decision, citing YouTube’s similarities with their own services, the ban prohibits YouTube accounts for those under 16, though teachers and parents can still show videos to minors.
Experts, like cybersecurity chief Adam Marre, support the ban, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in spreading misinformation. The change could lead to a legal challenge with Alphabet, which previously threatened to withdraw some Google services from Australia in 2021. YouTube has reportedly warned the government about potential court action.
Communications Minister Anika Wells responded firmly, saying she would not be swayed by legal threats in the fight for the safety of Australian children. The law, passed in November, mandates social media platforms take “reasonable steps” to prevent access for minors under 16 or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million. Age-verification test results, due this month, will guide enforcement.
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