Australia Adds YouTube to Teen Social Media Ban Set for December
Australia has confirmed that YouTube will be included in its upcoming social media ban for children under 16, reversing an earlier plan to exempt the platform. The ban, which will also cover TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat, is scheduled to take effect in December 2025.
Under the new rules, teenagers will still be able to watch YouTube videos but will not be allowed to create accounts, upload content, or interact on the platform.
YouTube, owned by Google, had previously argued against its inclusion, saying the service “offers value to younger Australians” and should not be classified as social media.
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. This is not the only solution, but it will make a difference.”
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recently recommended adding YouTube to the ban, calling it the platform most frequently cited by children aged 10 to 15 as a source of harmful content.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said tech companies would face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million) for failing to comply with the age restrictions. Platforms will be required to deactivate existing accounts for under-16 users, block new accounts, and prevent workarounds.
Google has not yet confirmed if it will legally challenge the move but said it would “consider next steps” and continue discussions with the government.
Australia’s law is being closely monitored by other countries. Norway has announced similar measures, while the UK is considering adopting comparable restrictions.
Exemptions to the ban will cover online gaming, messaging services, education tools, and health apps, which the government says pose fewer risks to minors. More details of the legislation will be presented to federal parliament this week.
