Esther Salifu
In a significant policy shift, the Australian government has announced that, starting December 10, 2025, children under the age of 16 will be prohibited from creating accounts on YouTube.
This decision extends the country’s existing social media restrictions aimed at protecting young users from harmful online content.
The Australian government’s move to include YouTube in its under-16 social media ban marks a reversal of its previous stance, which had exempted the platform due to its educational value.
Communications Minister Anika Wells stated, “We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to shielding children from “predatory algorithms targeting children”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced this position, asserting,
“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs”.
He acknowledged that while enforcement may face challenges, the initiative sets a clear expectation for protecting young Australians online.
YouTube has expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that it is primarily a video-sharing platform rather than a social media site.
A company spokesperson noted,
“Our position remains clear YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media” .
The legislation mandates that platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat enforce age restrictions, with potential fines of up to AUD 49.5 million for non-compliance.
Notably, YouTube Kids, a version designed for younger audiences with parental controls, remains exempt from the ban .
This policy change follows recommendations from the eSafety Commissioner, highlighting that a significant percentage of minors reported exposure to harmful content on YouTube. The government aims to provide a safer online environment for children, encouraging them to develop their identities without undue influence from online platforms.
As the December implementation date approaches, the government plans to engage with international partners to promote similar child safety measures globally.
