Australia has officially added YouTube to its sweeping under-16 social media ban, reversing a previous exemption and intensifying its world-first regulatory push to protect young users online. The ban, which takes effect in December, will now apply to YouTube alongside TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X.
Children under 16 will still be able to view YouTube videos but will no longer be allowed to create accounts, upload content, post comments, or interact on the platform. The decision follows a recommendation from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who cited YouTube as the most common platform for children aged 10 to 15 encountering harmful content.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the inclusion, saying the ban is part of a broader effort to combat the social harm caused by digital platforms. “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs,” he said. “This won’t solve everything, but it will make a difference.”
Google, which owns YouTube, had argued that the platform is not social media and should not be included. It expressed disappointment at the decision but said it would “consider next steps” and continue discussions with the government.
Reports last week indicated Google was preparing a legal challenge to protect YouTube’s exemption, arguing the ban could infringe on political expression. Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed those concerns, stating the government would not be “intimidated by legal threats” in what she called a “genuine fight” for children's well-being.
“Trying to raise kids online today is like teaching them to swim in an open ocean with rips and sharks,” she said. “We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks.”
Platforms found in breach of the ban will face fines of up to A$50 million (US$32.5 million). Tech companies must deactivate existing underage accounts, block new sign-ups, and prevent circumvention.
Exemptions will apply to educational, messaging, gaming, and health apps, which are seen as posing fewer social media-related risks. The legislation has drawn global attention, with Norway following suit and the UK considering similar action. Full implementation details will be presented to parliament later today.
Source: BBC
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
