Australia adds YouTube to platforms covered by world-first ban on social media for teenagers
What the Australian under-16 YouTube ban means
- Australia has announced it will include YouTube in its ban on social media access for teenagers, reversing an earlier exemption.
- The ban, set to commence in December, aims to protect minors from harmful content and algorithm-driven exposure, following a survey indicating high rates of harmful content on YouTube.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed the government's commitment to child safety online, stating they would not be swayed by threats from social media companies.
- YouTube maintains it is a video-sharing platform, not social media, and has urged the Australian government to reconsider its decision.
- The move reflects increasing concerns over AI-driven misinformation and the unchecked power of large technology firms, with the Federal Communications Minister vowing not to be intimidated by legal challenges.