SAEDNEWS: The Australian government has reversed its earlier position and added YouTube to its upcoming social media ban for users under 16, defying legal threats from Alphabet and vowing to prioritize children's safety over platform pushback.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that implementing the social media ban for children under 16 “is not going to be simple,” as key questions remain unanswered regarding how tech companies will verify users' ages and which platforms are covered.
Communications Minister Anika Wells stated on Wednesday that the responsibility lies with platforms to develop effective and straightforward age-verification tools.
“There are lots of ways tech firms could verify age,” she said. “We will not be intimidated by legal threats, when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”
The ban is scheduled to come into force on December 10. It requires platforms to deactivate existing accounts held by users under 16 and prevent new ones from being created. Companies failing to take “reasonable steps” to comply will face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million.
The government initially excluded YouTube from the list due to its educational content but reversed course after the eSafety Commissioner found that children most frequently encountered harmful content on the platform.
Alphabet warned the government it is considering legal action and said the policy reversal breaks a clear public commitment.
“YouTube is a video platform, not social media,” a company spokesperson said. “We will consider next steps and will continue to engage with the government.”
Wells dismissed complaints from platforms about unclear compliance requirements, saying expectations were set when legislation passed in December 2024.
“Come 10 December, if your kid has a Facebook login, it’s on Facebook to deactivate that account,” Wells said. “These are not set-and-forget rules, these are set-and-support rules.”
The ban applies broadly, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X confirmed, while smaller services such as Discord, Twitch, Bluesky, and Truth Social may also fall under the rule. LinkedIn is likely excluded, as it argued it holds little interest for children.
The opposition backed the general ban but criticized the government's shift on YouTube. Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh called it a “blatant broken promise.”
“When the government introduced the legislation in November, they specifically excluded YouTube,” McIntosh said. “The Albanese Labor government can change a minister, but they cannot hide the fact they deliberately misled the public.”
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the policy as ineffective, calling for stronger user protections rather than what she termed a “delusional” blanket ban.
Albanese plans to promote the policy at the United Nations General Assembly in September, saying other countries are considering similar measures.
“This is not just an Australian experience,” Albanese said. “It is a common experience.”
