YouTube joins the list of prohibited websites for minors aged 16 and under in Australia, owing to concerns about inappropriate and dangerous content.
Australia's social media restrictions are set to broaden, with YouTube set to join the list of platforms that under-16s will be prohibited from using. The ban, which includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, is aimed at protecting children from harmful content and predatory algorithms.
The new law, set to take effect in December 2025, requires tech companies to deactivate accounts of users under 16 and prevent new registrations by minors on all banned platforms. Failure to comply can lead to fines as high as AUD 50 million.
The government's decision comes in response to evidence that 37% of young users encountered harmful content on YouTube, raising concerns about online safety and mental health. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, disputes being classified as a social media platform, arguing that it is a video-sharing service. However, the Australian government maintains its stance, including YouTube in the ban.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for an end to the negative effects of online platforms on Australian children, while Communications Minister Anika Wells has stated that she will not be intimidated by legal threats when it comes to protecting children from social media.
The Australian Primary Principals Association, which supports the ban, has emphasised the importance of teachers being careful in their use of YouTube resources for appropriateness. Angela Falkenberg, the association's president, has reiterated this sentiment, stating that teachers will be vigilant in their selection of content.
The ban also allows parents and teachers to show videos on YouTube to minors, but the platform's account creation for those under 16 remains prohibited.
This move makes Australia the first country to impose such a comprehensive social media ban on minors, reflecting growing global concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health and safety.
The ban follows a series of disputes between the Australian government and tech giants, with Alphabet threatening to withdraw some Google services from Australia in 2021 to avoid a law forcing it to pay news outlets for content appearing in searches. Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have also expressed concerns about the ban.
The Australian internet regulator urged the government to include YouTube in the ban due to a survey showing 37% of minors reported harmful content on the site. Adam Marre, chief information security officer at cyber security firm Arctic Wolf, has stated that artificial intelligence has supercharged the spread of misinformation on social media platforms such as YouTube.
The government is due to receive a report this month on tests of age-checking products, which will influence the enforcement of the social media ban. Stefan Erasmus, a tech expert, believes that the Australian government's move to regulate YouTube is an important step in pushing back against the unchecked power of big tech and protecting kids.
[1] The Australian, "Government to ban YouTube for under-16s as part of social media crackdown", 14th February 2023. [2] The Guardian, "Australia to ban under-16s from using social media platforms including YouTube", 14th February 2023. [3] ABC News, "Australia to ban under-16s from using social media platforms, including YouTube", 14th February 2023.
The Australian government's decision to include YouTube in the social media ban for minors under 16 years old signifies a significant shift towards prioritizing education-and-self-development and lifestyle over technology, particularly in safeguarding children's mental health and safety. The move towards regulating YouTube and other social media platforms can be seen as an attempt to mitigate the spread of harmful content, as well as combat the issue of misinformation amplified by technology, thus promoting a positive digital lifestyle.
