Australia’s Labor government has expanded its upcoming social media ban for children under 16 to include YouTube, which is owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet. This change reverses an earlier promise to exclude the video-sharing site, placing it under the same rules as other major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. The new law will begin in December and will hold these platforms accountable for preventing users under 16 from creating accounts. Companies could face fines of nearly AUD $50 million (about USD $32 million) if they do not comply.
A YouTube spokesperson expressed concern over this policy change, stating that including the platform contradicts a “clear, public commitment” that acknowledged YouTube’s educational value. Communications Minister Anika Wells drew a comparison between the social media ban and teaching children to swim in Australia, which is an essential skill. She described the current online environment as “teaching kids to swim in the open ocean, with the rip currents and the sharks,” contrasting it with the safer local pool. Wells emphasized that while the government cannot control the “ocean,” it can “police the sharks.” She stressed that she will not back down from what she sees as a vital effort for the safety of Australian children, despite legal threats.
The decision to include YouTube was influenced by a recent questionnaire from Australia’s independent online regulator, the eSafety Commission. The survey found that 37% of the children had come across harmful content on the platform, which included various issues, such as sexist, misogynistic, or hateful materials; dangerous online challenges; fight videos; and content promoting unhealthy eating or exercise habits. Minister Wells informed Parliament that YouTube uses “the same persuasive design features as other social media platforms,” pointing out features like “infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feed.” She concluded that, given these similarities, Australian children “don’t stand a chance” against such designs. As a result, she accepted the eSafety Commission’s recommendation to treat YouTube like other social media platforms.
The “world-leading” legislation, passed last year, set a 12-month period for the government to develop an implementation strategy. As part of its research, the government began trials for age verification to test different technologies. In June, the government released a preliminary report that demonstrated the feasibility of conducting age verification in a “private, robust, and effective” manner. However, it also noted that there is no “single ubiquitous solution” that works for all situations or one that ensures 100% effectiveness. Additionally, the report raised concerns that some platforms might be “over-anticipating the eventual needs of regulators” regarding personal information for future investigations, which could lead to greater privacy risks due to excessive data collection. Critics have raised privacy concerns about the plan, while others worry it may limit support options for isolated and vulnerable children who depend on social platforms. Minister Wells recognized that the ban might not work perfectly, joking that children might “find a way around this. Maybe they’re all going to swarm on LinkedIn.”
From an industry viewpoint, YouTube and other platforms argue they are already taking steps to protect children online. YouTube recently announced new AI trials in the United States that aim to determine if a user is under 18 by analyzing various signals, such as search history, video categories watched, and account activity. Social media platforms have actively campaigned against the Australian ban, urging both the government and parents to reconsider the proposal. For instance, TikTok has run ads in Australia promoting its platform as an educational tool
