Australia to ban under-16s from creating YouTube accounts
ouTube will now be included in Australia’s landmark social media ban for users under 16, after the government reversed its earlier decision to exempt the platform.
The video-sharing giant had initially been set apart from the sweeping ban—set to take effect in December—which will restrict access to platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat for those under 16.
Under the new policy, teenagers will still be able to watch YouTube videos but will no longer be allowed to hold accounts—blocking them from uploading content, commenting, or engaging with others on the platform.
Google-owned YouTube had previously pushed back against inclusion in the restrictions, arguing the platform “offers benefit and value to younger Australians” and claiming in a statement Wednesday, “It’s not social media.”
Australia’s pioneering move is being closely monitored by other governments. Norway recently announced a similar proposal, and the United Kingdom is actively considering comparable measures.
“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday. “We know this won’t solve everything, but it will make a difference.”
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended YouTube’s inclusion last month, citing the platform as “the most frequently cited” site where children aged 10 to 15 encountered “harmful content.”
Following Wednesday’s announcement, a YouTube spokesperson said the company will “consider next steps” and “continue to engage” with the government.
Reports last week indicated that Google was considering legal action over the inclusion of YouTube in the ban, claiming such a move would restrict political expression.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged social media has a role to play but emphasized, “There’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”
Comparing online dangers to “teaching your kids to swim in the open ocean, with rips and sharks, instead of at the local council pool,” Wells said, “We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks. That’s why we won’t be intimidated by legal threats—this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”
Certain apps—like those for gaming, messaging, education, and health—will be exempted, as they’re deemed to pose “fewer social media harms” to children under 16.
Under the new rules, tech companies could face fines of up to A$50 million (US$32.5 million; £25.7 million) for non-compliance. They will be required to deactivate current underage accounts, block new ones, eliminate workarounds, and rectify any violations.