- YouTube will be added to Australia’s upcoming under-16 social media ban, reversing an earlier exemption.
- Children will still be able to watch YouTube, but not create accounts or interact.
- The decision follows concern over harmful content and social harms cited by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner.
- Google had opposed the inclusion, warning of legal action and freedom of expression issues.
- Global momentum is building: Norway has announced a similar ban, and the UK is actively considering one.
Australia has confirmed that YouTube will be part of its upcoming ban on under-16s holding social media accounts, set to begin in December 2025. Originally exempt from the restrictions, YouTube is now included after the eSafety Commissioner flagged it as a major source of harmful content for young users.
Under the new rules, under-16s can still watch videos without logging in, but they won’t be allowed to upload, comment, or interact on the platform. Companies that fail to enforce the rules could face fines up to A$50 million.
YouTube, owned by Google, argued it shouldn’t be treated as a social platform, calling it educational and valuable for young users. But Australian leaders pushed back hard. “We won’t be intimidated by legal threats,” said Communications Minister Anika Wells. “We are policing the sharks in the ocean.”
The law excludes gaming and messaging apps that pose fewer risks, and is being closely watched internationally, especially by the UK and Norway.
👨👩👧 Parental Takeaway:
This is a game-changer. If your child has a YouTube channel, uploads videos, or uses comments and playlists—expect major restrictions soon. Start the conversation now about where they’ll go instead and how to stay safe there too.
