Australia Expands Under-16 Social Media Ban to Include YouTube

AFP/APP

Sydney: In a landmark move to protect children online, Australia announced on Wednesday that it will ban anyone under the age of 16 from having accounts on YouTube, alongside other popular social media platforms, under sweeping new legislation targeting “predatory algorithms.”

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the decision comes amid growing concern over harmful content. “Four in ten Australian children reported viewing harmful material on YouTube,” she noted. “We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are.”

“YouTube may be a place for content, but there’s no place for predatory algorithms targeting children,” she added.

Previously, the Australian government had signaled that YouTube — widely used in schools — would be exempt. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the platform would now be included in the upcoming ban.

“Young people under the age of 16 will not be able to have accounts on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and other platforms,” Albanese told reporters. “We want Australian families to know we’ve got their back.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the ban may not be perfectly enforced, likening it to restrictions on alcohol or tobacco, but insisted it was a necessary step.

Industry Pushback and Enforcement Challenges

The move drew strong criticism from tech companies. A spokesperson for YouTube called the decision a “jarring U-turn,” arguing: “YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not a social media site. It’s increasingly used on TV screens for accessing free, high-quality content.”

The law — set to come into effect on December 10 is being described as one of the strictest in the world. However, experts have raised questions about enforcement, as the current legislation lacks clear details on how age restrictions will be verified and implemented.

Social media companies face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (US$32 million) for non-compliance. But firms including TikTok, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and others have expressed concerns, describing the legislation as “vague,” “rushed,” and potentially burdensome for both platforms and families.

TikTok accused the government of sidelining expert advice on youth mental health and online safety. Meta warned the rules could place “an onerous burden on parents and teens.”

The legislation is being closely watched globally, as other countries weigh the possibility of adopting similar age-based restrictions on social media use.