Australia will include YouTube in its pioneering social media ban targeting users under 16, reversing a previously planned exemption and extending restrictions to all major platforms.
Effective December 10, 2025, the law prohibits children aged 15 and below from having active YouTube accounts, although they may still view content in a logged-out state or via adult-managed family accounts. YouTube Kids remains exempt as it lacks features that allow social interaction.
The expansion comes after Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed data showing YouTube as the platform where 37% of youths reported recent online harm, including exposure to violent content, hate speech, and unsafe challenges.
These findings led directly to the government’s reversal of an earlier decision to exempt YouTube based on its educational value.
Tech companies have fiercely criticized the policy. YouTube owned by Google contends it is not a social media platform and provides a valuable educational resource.
The company has threatened legal action, claiming the law infringes on political communication rights. Meta, TikTok, and Snap have condemned the decision, calling it unfair to treat YouTube differently than other platforms subject to the ban. One executive likened the carve-out to “banning soft drinks but exempting Coca-Cola.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the inclusion, stating “we will not be intimidated by legal threats” and stressing that platforms must prioritize child safety.
Fines for non-compliance may reach up to AUD 49.5 million. Platforms must deactivate or block underage accounts and put in place age-verification systems.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government stands with families, emphasizing there is a place for social media but not “predatory algorithms targeting children.”
He announced plans to elevate the initiative internationally at a UN forum in New York, positioning Australia as a global leader in child digital safety.
Despite the ban, young Australians will still be able to access YouTube content in a logged-out mode or via family-shared accounts, though they will lose features like subscribing, commenting, or content personalization.
Critics worry this restriction may stifle educational benefits and creative exploration among youth.
Australia became the first country to pass such sweeping legislation, initially targeting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, Reddit and others.
The law passed in November 2024, but YouTube was initially omitted from restrictions. The latest move follows growing concerns that excluding the platform undermined the regulation’s intent.
In sum, the full inclusion of YouTube in Australia’s under-16 social media ban represents a significant shift in policy. It reflects the government’s growing emphasis on digital safety over earlier educational exemptions, setting a precedent likely to influence how other countries balance children’s online access with protection.
Written By Ian Maleve
