Australia will include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for users under 16, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the video-sharing platform owned by Alphabet.
The change, announced Wednesday, expands the scope of a law set to take effect in December.
The government said the move follows a recommendation from the internet regulator, which cited a survey showing that 37% of minors reported harmful content on YouTube, the highest among major platforms. YouTube is used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was acting to protect children and reminded platforms of their social responsibilities. Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament she would not be intimidated by legal threats, calling the law a necessary step for children’s well-being.
YouTube said it should not be classified as a social media platform, arguing that it is a video-sharing service with content often viewed on TV screens. A spokesperson said the platform offers a library of high-quality content and repeated its earlier position that it does not function like social media.
The law bans accounts for users under 16, but allows parents and teachers to show videos to minors. The Australian Primary Principals Association expressed support, saying teachers already vet online material for appropriateness.
Other platforms covered by the ban include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Those companies have previously argued that YouTube shares key features with them, including user interaction and algorithm-driven recommendations.
The law passed in November requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to restrict access for underage users or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The government is reviewing age-checking tools and is expected to decide on enforcement based on test results due later this month.
In 2021, Alphabet had threatened to pull some Google services from Australia over a different law requiring payments to news publishers. Last week, YouTube said it had written to the government urging it to respect the legislative process.
Australian media reports said YouTube may challenge the new rules in court, but the company did not confirm that.
