Australia has reversed its previous exemption of YouTube from its teen social media ban, officially adding the video-sharing platform to the list of restricted sites for users under 16. The decision comes after the country’s internet regulator reported that 37% of minors had encountered harmful content on YouTube—more than any other platform. The broader ban, which already includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, will take effect in December.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children from online harm, stating, “We have your backs” to Australian parents. While YouTube maintains it is not a social media site but a video library increasingly viewed on TV, critics—including other platforms—argue it shares core features such as user interaction and algorithmic content recommendation. The Australian Primary Principals Association backed the move, saying teachers would continue to use YouTube as a curated educational tool.
The decision may trigger legal pushback from Alphabet, YouTube’s parent company, which has previously threatened legal action over Australian tech regulations. Communications Minister Anika Wells stood firm, declaring in parliament that she “will not be intimidated by legal threats” and reaffirming the government’s focus on children’s well-being. Enforcement will depend on upcoming trials of age-checking tools, with penalties of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
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