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Australia announced on Wednesday that it will incorporate YouTube into its list of banned sites for teenagers, marking a reversal of its previous exemption for the platform owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet. This move could lead to a legal challenge.
The decision followed a recommendation from the internet regulator, which last month argued for removing the exception for YouTube. They cited a survey indicating that 37% of minors encountered harmful content on the platform — the highest among social media sites.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “I’m ending this,” emphasizing that online platforms are having a negative impact on Australian children and urging social media companies to recognize their social responsibilities. He added, “I want Australian parents to know we have their backs.”
The revamped ban extends the restrictions that are set to begin in December. While YouTube claims it is used by nearly 75% of Australian youth aged 13 to 15 and argues that it isn’t truly a social media network because its primary purpose is video hosting, critics disagree.
A YouTube spokesperson said via email, “Our stance remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform offering a vast library of free, high-quality content, and is increasingly enjoyed on TV screens. It doesn’t fit the social media label.”
Last year, the government initially decided to exempt YouTube due to its popularity among educators. However, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are subject to the ban, have voiced complaints, arguing that YouTube shares key traits with their offerings—such as user interaction and content recommendations driven by algorithms.
The law bans YouTube accounts for individuals under 16, but parents and teachers are permitted to show videos to minors.
Angela Falkenberg, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association—supportive of the ban—said, “Teachers will always carefully select appropriate resources and act judiciously.”
Experts like Adam Marre, Chief Information Security Officer at Arctic Wolf, noted that AI-driven misinformation has amplified on social media platforms like YouTube. “The Australian government’s move to regulate YouTube is a vital step toward curbing the unchecked power of big tech and safeguarding children,” he said via email.
This reversal sparks tension with Alphabet, which in 2021 threatened to withdraw some Google services from Australia if compelled by law to pay news outlets for their content appearing in search results.
Recently, YouTube informed Reuters that it had contacted the government, urging it “to uphold the integrity of the legislative process.” Reports suggest YouTube may pursue a court challenge, though the company declined to confirm this.
“I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is about the real well-being of Australian children,” said Communications Minister Anika Wells during a parliamentary session.
The law, passed last November, mandates that social media platforms take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services, under penalty of fines reaching up to A$49.5 million.
The government plans to review test results on age verification tools later this month, which will influence how strictly the ban is enforced.
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