YouTube to be included in Australia's teen social media ban

Australia is making a big change to its social media rules for young people, and YouTube is now included in the new ban for children under 16. Originally, YouTube was going to be left out of the ban, but the government decided to add it after experts said it was a common place for kids to see harmful content. The ban, which will start in December, also covers TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. Under the new law, teenagers will still be able to watch YouTube videos, but they will not be allowed to have an account. This means they cannot upload videos or comment on content.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, argued that it should not be included in the ban because it is not a typical social media platform. The company said that YouTube provides value to young Australians and helps them learn. However, the Australian government disagreed, saying that social media is causing harm to children and that parents need support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that while the ban is not a complete solution, it is an important step to protect kids. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, recommended adding YouTube to the ban because it is the most common site where children aged 10 to 15 see harmful material.

After the announcement, YouTube said it would consider its next steps and continue talking with the government. There were reports that Google might sue the government if YouTube was included, arguing that the ban could limit political freedom. However, Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government would not be intimidated by legal threats. She compared protecting children online to teaching them to swim in the ocean, where there are many dangers, but said the government can help keep them safe. The ban will not apply to online gaming, messaging, or educational and health apps, as these are seen as less risky. Tech companies that do not follow the new rules could be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars. The government will soon provide more details about how the ban will be enforced.