Australia's government has announced it will include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for teens, reversing an initial exemption for the Alphabet-owned platform. This world-first law, due to take effect in December, will now cover YouTube alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
The regulator's survey found 37 percent of minors reported encountering harmful content on YouTube. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the move as a step to protect Australian parents and children. "Social media have 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," he said.
Despite YouTube's argument that it is primarily a video-hosting service—used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15—the platform shares key features with social networks. It allows user interaction, personalized recommendations and algorithm-driven feeds, similar to other banned sites.
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-powered algorithms can accelerate the spread of misinformation. Adam Marre, CISO at Arctic Wolf, lauded the decision: "The Australian government's move to regulate YouTube is an important step in pushing back against the unchecked power of big tech and protecting kids."
The change sets up a potential legal challenge from Alphabet, which previously threatened to withdraw services over other Australian laws. Under the new regulation, platforms must take "reasonable steps" to keep users under 16 off their sites or face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
As authorities test age-verification tools this month, their results will shape how strictly the ban is enforced. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and digital nomads alike, Australia’s stance underscores a growing trend: demanding more accountability from tech giants in safeguarding online communities.
Reference(s):
Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption
cgtn.com
