Australia expands under-16 social media ban to include YouTube

Australia has reversed its previous decision to exempt YouTube from its under-16 social media restrictions, adding the video-sharing platform to the list of services from which minors will be barred starting December 10, 2025. The move comes amid increasing concern from regulators and lawmakers over children’s exposure to harmful content online.

The initial exemption granted to YouTube was revoked following recommendations from the eSafety Commissioner, who cited a survey showing that nearly 37% of children reported encountering harmful content on the platform — the highest rate among social media services surveyed. This change aligns YouTube with platforms already covered by the ban, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is acting in the interest of families: “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” Communications Minister Anika Wells echoed the sentiment, stating the decision would “make a significantly positive difference” to the wellbeing of young Australians.

Under the new regulation, children under 16 will be prohibited from creating accounts on social media platforms, including YouTube. However, they will still be able to watch videos on YouTube without signing in, as the restriction targets account ownership rather than passive viewing.

The government’s reversal has sparked backlash from Google-owned YouTube, which maintains that it operates as a video-sharing service, not a social media platform. “YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media,” a spokesperson said. The company had previously written to the government expressing concern and hinting at potential legal action.

Tech industry response has been mixed. Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, which had criticized YouTube’s initial exemption, have called for consistent standards across platforms, arguing YouTube offers similar interactive and algorithm-driven experiences.

The revised regulations come with enforcement measures: platforms failing to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from creating accounts could face fines of up to A$49.5 million. However, some industry stakeholders have raised questions about what specific steps will satisfy the “reasonable steps” threshold. Further guidance from the government is expected in the coming months.

The legislation will also include a list of services exempt from the ban, such as gaming platforms, messaging apps, and digital health tools like Google Classroom and ReachOut’s PeerChat. YouTube Kids, the child-specific version of the platform, remains exempt.

Coinciding with the announcement, Google is scheduled to host its annual “Google at Parliament House” event, a high-profile gathering featuring product showcases and performances from YouTube creators. The event’s timing, just hours after the government’s policy reversal, is likely to add tension to the already strained relationship between tech companies and Australian regulators.