Australia ' s Albanese Government to Ban Under -16s from You Tube Accounts, Ending Platform’s Exemption

By Kwedu News

As Google prepares to host its annual “Google at Parliament House” showcase on Wednesday night, the Albanese government is poised to deliver a regulatory blow to its flagship video platform, YouTube.

The federal government will formally announce that YouTube will no longer be exempt from Australia’s under-16s social media restrictions, bringing it into line with platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X, and Snapchat.

YouTube had been granted a carveout from the national age restrictions by former communications minister Michelle Rowland, who had argued the platform’s educational and support services warranted special consideration.

Apps like Google Classroom and Kids Helpline’s MyCircle were cited in parliament as examples of services that provide critical support for young people despite interactive features.

But the current communications minister, Anika Wells, has reversed that decision, following advice from the eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who warned YouTube poses similar risks to young people as other social media platforms.

“The Albanese government is giving kids a reprieve from the persuasive and pervasive pull of social media while giving parents peace of mind,” Wells said.

“There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”

The decision is expected to heighten tensions with YouTube, which last week threatened legal action if it was included under the age restrictions.

“YouTube is a video sharing platform, not a social media service, that offers benefit and value to younger Australians,” a spokesperson said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unmoved by those warnings.

“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.

"Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms so I’m calling time on it," he said.

The government will also table a set of regulations on Wednesday to clarify which online services will be excluded from the under-16s ban.

Gaming platforms, messaging apps, and health services will not be affected by the restrictions, which focus specifically on social media platforms where children can create accounts and engage with content.

From December, platforms included in the ban will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from opening accounts or face fines of up to $49.5m.

Some tech companies, however, have raised concerns over the lack of detail about what constitutes "reasonable steps”, particularly regarding new verification measures they may be required to implement.

The government is expected to release more detailed guidance in the coming months.

YouTube had argued it should be treated differently from social media giants like TikTok and Meta, pointing to its mixed use for education, entertainment and content creation.

E-Safety commissioner Inman Grant however noted that YouTube was the platform most frequently cited by children in reports of harmful content exposure.

A survey of 2,600 children revealed nearly four in ten had encountered harmful material on YouTube.

Inman Grant clarified that children would still be able to watch YouTube videos while logged out, as the legislation only prevents account creation for those under 16.

Critics of YouTube’s previous exemption, including Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, had decried the arrangement as a sweetheart deal.

TikTok said it was irrational and indefensible for YouTube to be treated differently when its core functions mirror those of other social media services.

The companies had been lobbying for a level playing field across platforms.

Despite the looming announcement, Google is pressing ahead with its high-profile event in Parliament House on Wednesday night, featuring performances from local band The Rubens and appearances by YouTube creators like the Mik Maks and Never Too Small.

The annual gathering is a mainstay on Canberra’s political calendar, drawing large crowds of politicians and staffers to preview Google’s latest products and partnerships.

Minister Wells said the government’s stance on social media regulation remains firm.

“We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are.

“There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online, but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing,” she said.