Tech Giants Criticize YouTube Exemption in Australia’s Under-16s Social Media Ban

Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat argue the exemption undermines the law’s intent and creates an unfair competitive advantage.

The Albanese government’s new law bans social media access for Australians under 16 but exempts YouTube, sparking criticism from other platforms.
Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat submitted objections, claiming the exemption is anti-competitive and contradicts the law’s stated purpose of protecting young users.
The platforms argue YouTube shares similar features, like algorithmic recommendations and autoplay, that the law seeks to regulate on other social media services.
TikTok labeled the exemption a 'sweetheart deal,' while Meta pointed to government data showing YouTube is the most popular platform among under-16s in Australia.
The government defends the exemption, citing YouTube’s educational value, but critics counter that educational content does not require account creation.