Australia’s Global First: Social Media Banned for Under-16s, Now Including YouTube
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Australia has announced a groundbreaking move to restrict social media usage for those under the age of 16, a policy set to take effect in December 2025. This legislation extends beyond platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat to include YouTube—previously exempt from such measures.
Although users under 16 will still be able to view YouTube content, they will not be permitted to register an account—a step needed to post videos, comment, or otherwise interact on the platform. In making this change, the Australian government rejected arguments from Google that YouTube provides “value and benefit” to young users, despite YouTube’s insistence that it should not be treated as a social media platform.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the move as part of broader efforts to protect children from the social harms of online platforms. He stated: “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” While noting that it isn’t a comprehensive solution, he reinforced the belief that the policy would drive meaningful change.
The decision follows a recommendation by the country’s e‑Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who identified YouTube as the platform most frequently cited by 10–15-year-olds in reports of exposure to harmful content. Australia’s policy may soon influence other countries: Norway has already announced similar plans, and the UK is reportedly considering following suit.
Under the new law, tech companies will face severe repercussions if they violate the age restrictions. Penalties may reach up to 50 million AUD (around 32.5 million USD), and companies will be required to deactivate existing under‑16 accounts, block new registrations, and take steps to prevent circumvention.
Importantly, the ban does not apply to online games, communication tools, education platforms or health apps, which are viewed as having data protection and social benefit profiles that differ from mainstream social media.
This move makes Australia the first nation to legally restrict all major social media platforms—including YouTube—for minors under 16, underscoring a growing global trend toward regulating digital exposure to protect younger users.
