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16h ago

Australia Adds YouTube to Under-16 Social Media Ban

The announcement follows eSafety findings of significant harm to under-16s on YouTube, prompting Google’s threat of legal action ahead of December’s implementation

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FILE - The YouTube app is displayed on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
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Overview

  • From December 10, Australian children under 16 will be barred from holding YouTube accounts under the expanded social media restrictions.
  • The reversal overturns an earlier government exemption after eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended its removal in June based on research showing that 37% of minors reported harmful content on YouTube.
  • Age-restricted platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and X, must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16 sign-ups or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
  • Google and YouTube argue the service is a video-sharing platform rather than social media and have warned they may pursue legal action over its inclusion.
  • The law exempts online gaming, messaging, health and education platforms and lawmakers are expected to issue detailed compliance guidance before enforcement begins.