Australia to ban YouTube for children under sixteen
(MENAFN) Australia will include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for children under 16, removing an earlier exemption for the platform.
The ban, set to begin in December, will restrict access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. While teenagers will still be able to watch YouTube videos, they will not be allowed to create accounts, which are necessary for uploading content or engaging with others.
YouTube, owned by Google, had argued against being blocked, stating the platform “offers benefit and value to younger Australians” and insisting, “It’s not social media.”
Australia’s new legislation is drawing attention worldwide, with countries like Norway announcing similar bans and the UK considering comparable measures.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children, saying, “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” He added that while the ban is not the only solution, it will have an impact.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, recommended including YouTube after noting it was “the most frequently cited platform” where children aged 10 to 15 encountered “harmful content.”
Following the announcement, YouTube said it would “consider next steps” and “continue to engage” with Australian authorities.
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