Australia has confirmed that YouTube will now be part of its world-first social media ban for children under 16, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the platform.
Set to begin in December, the ban will also apply to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. While teenagers will still be able to watch YouTube videos, they will not be allowed to create accounts, which are required for posting content or interacting on the site.
YouTube, which is owned by Google, had argued it should not be classified as a social media platform. In a statement, the company said it provides “benefit and value to younger Australians” and is not the same as other platforms being restricted.
Australia’s move is being closely watched by other countries. Norway has already announced a similar policy, and the United Kingdom is considering taking the same path.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the decision, saying, “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.”
The country’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, previously recommended adding YouTube to the ban, calling it the most frequently cited platform for exposing children aged 10 to 15 to harmful content.
A spokesperson for YouTube responded to the announcement by saying the company will consider its next steps and continue engaging with the government.
Australian media reports last week suggested that Google had threatened legal action if YouTube was included in the ban, warning it could limit political freedoms. However, Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells stood firm, saying the government will not be intimidated by legal threats.
“Trying to protect children from online harm is like teaching them to swim in the open ocean,” she said. “We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks.”
Apps used for messaging, gaming, education, and health will not be affected by the ban, as they are considered to pose fewer risks to young users.
Tech companies that fail to follow the new rules face fines of up to A$50 million. They will be required to deactivate existing accounts for under-16s, prevent new sign-ups, block workarounds, and fix any errors in enforcement.
Further details of the plan are expected to be presented to the Australian federal parliament on Wednesday.
