Australia Expands Teen Social Media Ban to Include YouTube
The Australian government has expanded its pioneering ban on social media for teenagers under 16 to include YouTube, reversing an earlier exemption. The decision follows a regulator's report highlighting that YouTube was the source of the most harmful content reported by minors. The move tightens what is already one of the world's toughest laws aimed at protecting children online and escalates the government's regulatory battle with global tech giants like Alphabet, YouTube's parent company.
Unpacked:
Social media companies have 12 months to implement systems to block users under 16, with full enforcement expected by the end of 2025. The eSafety Commissioner will oversee compliance, and companies face significant fines if they fail to take ‘reasonable steps’ to enforce the ban.
Privacy advocates and legal groups worry that age verification measures could infringe on children's privacy and broader human rights. The Law Council and Privacy Commissioner have raised concerns about the law’s broad scope and potential risks to privacy, calling for careful implementation to avoid rights violations.
Tech companies like Meta and Snap say they will comply, but industry groups and TikTok argue the law is rushed and could drive young users to less safe platforms. Polls show a majority of Australians support the age limit, but many doubt the ban will effectively achieve its aims.
Australia’s approach follows years of debate over online safety, with increasing concern about social media’s impact on youth mental health and exposure to harmful content. The new law builds on the Online Safety Act 2021, reflecting a global trend toward stricter regulation of digital platforms to protect children.