Australia

Australia Includes YouTube in Under-16 Social Media Ban

JUL 30 2025·Updated JUL 31 2025

Story

Above: A YouTube logo on a smartphone with the flag of Australia in the background. Image credit: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/Getty Images

The Facts

The Australian government on Wednesday confirmed that YouTube will be included in its social media ban for users under 16, reversing its previous decision to exempt the platform when the legislation was passed in November 2024.
News.com.au
Google
Additionally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to promote Australia's social media ban at the U.N. General Assembly in September, stating other world leaders are considering similar measures for their nations.
YourLifeChoices
News.com.au
The ban will take effect on Dec. 10 and covers YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to $49.5 million.
7NEWS
Daily Mail
Under-16s will still be able to access YouTube content in a logged-out state or through parental supervision, but they will not be able to have active YouTube accounts or subscribe to channels. YouTube Kids remains exempt from these restrictions.
SBS News
The Sydney Morning Herald
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended YouTube's inclusion after research showed 37% of young Australians experienced harm on the platform, including exposure to misogynistic content, violent videos, and suicidal ideation.
The Sydney Morning Herald
The Australian
Meanwhile, Google has threatened legal action against the government, arguing that YouTube is a video-sharing platform rather than social media and that the ban restricts constitutional freedom of political communication.
Google
1 News

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

This is a necessary protection for Australian children who face real harm online. Research shows 40% of kids report experiencing harm on YouTube, from violent content to dangerous challenges that can lead to tragic outcomes. The government stands with families against tech giants that prioritize profits over child safety.

News.com.au

ABC

Government-critical narrative

YouTube serves as a vital educational resource that shouldn't be lumped together with traditional social media platforms. The platform provides free, high-quality academic content widely used in classrooms and by parents, making it fundamentally different from interaction-focused social networks.

SBS News