YouTube Fails To Dodge Under-16 Ban As Australia Targets Social Platforms

The federal government has finalised the list of platforms included in its landmark move to ban social media accounts for under-16s. Despite strong lobbying from Google, YouTube will be subject to the same restrictions as other major social media players, as the government responds to concerns about children’s exposure to online risks.

The push to protect Australian children online

Aiming to address mounting concern about the impacts of social media on young Australians, the federal government is rolling out a national ban on social media accounts for anyone under sixteen. The crackdown, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is set to take effect from Tuesday, December 10th, and will capture all major social platforms.

“Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms so I’m calling time on it,” Albanese said. “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.”

Why YouTube was included despite industry pressure

Despite Google’s efforts to argue that YouTube is a “video streaming platform” rather than a social media service, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, recommended its inclusion. YouTube has claimed that a ban would “restrict political freedom and prevent people under 16 from contributing to political discourse by posting videos and making comments.” The company also argued that allowing children to log in enables safety guardrails designed specifically for younger users.

Nevertheless, the government sided with Inman Grant’s recommendation, confirming that YouTube’s social features, such as comments, posting, and interaction, bring it within the scope of the new law.

Enforcement and penalties for non-compliance

The new legislation will impose fines of up to $49.5 million on social media companies that “fail to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders from using their services.” The rules are designed to compel platforms to strengthen age verification and account moderation, sending a clear signal to the industry.

Gaming platforms, messaging apps, and health services will not be captured by the ban, with the government set to table the full list of exempted services in parliament this week.

Industry backlash and ongoing debate

The move has not gone unchallenged. Google has threatened to take legal action if YouTube is included in the ban, maintaining that children’s ability to log in is key to enforcing “guardrails” for safety. The tech giant contends that banning under-sixteens from account creation could inadvertently expose them to greater risk and limit their ability to participate in public discourse.

What changes for children and parents

Children under sixteen will no longer be able to create accounts or post content on the named platforms. However, as eSafety Commissioner Inman Grant has noted, children will still be able to view YouTube videos while logged out, since the ban is limited to preventing underage users from holding accounts.

With the final rules due in parliament this week and implementation just months away, the ban marks a decisive moment in Australia’s approach to digital safety for young people.

This article was originally published on So Perth.