Australia Expands Social Media Ban to Include YouTube for Teenagers Under 16**

The Australian government has announced that YouTube will be included in its upcoming social media ban for children under 16, a move that follows significant concerns regarding harmful content exposure among young users. While teens can view videos, they will not be able to create accounts.**

YouTube, owned by Google, will now be part of Australia's pioneering social media ban targeting children under 16 years old. This decision marks a reversal from earlier plans that exempted the platform, which had been previously considered for exclusion. As a part of this ban, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat will face strict regulations starting in December.

Under the proposed legislation, teenagers will still be allowed to watch YouTube videos, but they will not have permission to create accounts—necessary for uploading content and interacting on the site. Previously, YouTube had argued that it should not be classified as a social media platform suitable for a ban, suggesting that it offers significant value for younger users. The government's latest decision, however, indicates a prioritization of youth safety over corporate interests.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated during a press conference, "Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." He acknowledged that while this ban is not a single solution to the complex issues surrounding social media, it is a step toward safeguarding children from potential harm.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant had recommended including YouTube in the ban, citing it as the most frequently reported platform for harmful content exposure among children aged 10 to 15. The widespread implications of the ban are drawing interest from global leaders, with Norway announcing similar plans and the UK considering comparable measures.

In response to the ban, YouTube stated it would evaluate its options and maintain a dialogue with Australian authorities. There have been reports that Google threatened legal action against the Australian government if YouTube was included in the restrictions, arguing that the ban could infringe on political freedom.

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the decision to include YouTube, acknowledging the need to protect children from "predatory algorithms" that target them. She likened the challenge to teaching kids to swim in open waters inhabited by dangers rather than in a controlled environment.

The legislation will also permit exceptions for online gaming, messaging, education, and health applications, positing that these categories present fewer social media risks to under-16s. Should tech companies fail to comply with the age restrictions, they face potential fines of up to A$50 million (approximately US$32.5 million, £25.7 million). They will be mandated to deactivate existing accounts while preventing the creation of new ones and addressing methods to bypass these restrictions. Legislative details about the ban are expected to be presented in federal parliament on Wednesday.