YouTube is set to be included in Australia's pioneering social media ban targeting children under 16, following a reversal of a previous exemption for the video-sharing platform. Initially, the Australian government planned to keep YouTube out of the ban that already restricts TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat, set to be enacted in December.
While teenagers will still be able to watch videos on YouTube, they will be barred from creating accounts needed for uploading content and interacting on the site. YouTube, owned by Google, argued against the ban, saying it should not be categorized as social media and claiming to provide benefits to young users.
Global interest in Australia's legislation is growing, with Norway announcing it will implement a similar ban, and the UK deliberating on potential actions. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the ban's importance, stating, "Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." He acknowledged the ban as one of multiple solutions needed to address the issue effectively.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recently pointed out that YouTube was frequently cited as a platform where children aged 10 to 15 encountered "harmful content," prompting the recommendation for its inclusion.
YouTube responded to the announcement, indicating that it would assess its next steps and maintain dialogue with the government. Reports had surfaced last week alleging that Google threatened legal action if YouTube was added to the ban, arguing it could impede political free speech.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the ban by likening the challenge of protecting children online to teaching them to swim in treacherous ocean waters compared to a safe local pool, stating, "We can't control the ocean but we can police the sharks."
Wells dismissed the legal threats posed by tech companies, asserting that her priority remains the safety of children. The ban will exclude specific online activities such as gaming, messaging, and educational apps that are considered to pose fewer risks. Companies failing to comply with the new age restrictions face potential fines of up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million).
Further details regarding the implementation of the ban will be submitted to federal parliament on Wednesday.
While teenagers will still be able to watch videos on YouTube, they will be barred from creating accounts needed for uploading content and interacting on the site. YouTube, owned by Google, argued against the ban, saying it should not be categorized as social media and claiming to provide benefits to young users.
Global interest in Australia's legislation is growing, with Norway announcing it will implement a similar ban, and the UK deliberating on potential actions. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the ban's importance, stating, "Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." He acknowledged the ban as one of multiple solutions needed to address the issue effectively.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recently pointed out that YouTube was frequently cited as a platform where children aged 10 to 15 encountered "harmful content," prompting the recommendation for its inclusion.
YouTube responded to the announcement, indicating that it would assess its next steps and maintain dialogue with the government. Reports had surfaced last week alleging that Google threatened legal action if YouTube was added to the ban, arguing it could impede political free speech.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the ban by likening the challenge of protecting children online to teaching them to swim in treacherous ocean waters compared to a safe local pool, stating, "We can't control the ocean but we can police the sharks."
Wells dismissed the legal threats posed by tech companies, asserting that her priority remains the safety of children. The ban will exclude specific online activities such as gaming, messaging, and educational apps that are considered to pose fewer risks. Companies failing to comply with the new age restrictions face potential fines of up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million).
Further details regarding the implementation of the ban will be submitted to federal parliament on Wednesday.
