Australia’s upcoming social media ban for under-16s, set to take effect on 10 December, has drawn sharp criticism from YouTube. The platform argues that the new laws will make children less safe, as they will lose access to important parental controls such as content settings and the ability to block channels.
Under the new Social Media Minimum Age Act, teens will still be able to view videos on YouTube but will not have an account. Without an account, they will lose critical features such as uploading content, posting comments, and accessing safety features like reminders to take breaks or go to bed.
Communications Minister Anika Wells responded to YouTube’s concerns, calling it “outright weird” that the platform was highlighting the dangers of its own platform for children. “If YouTube is reminding us all that it is not safe… that’s a problem that YouTube needs to fix,” Wells stated.
The Impact of the New Laws on YouTube and Kids’ Safety
The ban, which affects platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, is part of the Australian government’s efforts to protect Gen Alpha from the dangers of social media algorithms. The law mandates that social media platforms automatically sign out users under 16 years old. This means they will lose access to account features that parents rely on to monitor their children’s activity online.
YouTube expressed concerns in a statement, stating that the new law undermines over a decade of work in developing parental controls that make YouTube a safer platform for families. Rachel Lord, public policy senior manager at Google and YouTube Australia, argued that the ban would not make children safer but would instead remove important safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to unmonitored content.
Rise of Alternative Platforms Among Teens
As the social media ban looms, Australian teens are flocking to alternative apps like Lemon8 (created by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance) and Yope, both of which are gaining popularity. In response, the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has urged these platforms to self-assess whether they fall under the new law’s requirements.
Despite YouTube’s objections, the Australian government remains firm in its stance. The government reversed an earlier exemption for YouTube in July after the eSafety Commissioner highlighted the platform as a source of harmful content for children aged 10 to 15.
Fines for Non-Compliance
Tech companies that fail to comply with the new law could face hefty fines, up to A$49.5 million (about US$33 million or £25 million). These companies will be required to deactivate existing accounts for under-16s, prevent new accounts from being created, and stop any workarounds.
YouTube’s Future Response
YouTube, part of Google, has reportedly considered challenging the inclusion of its platform in the ban, although it did not respond to BBC’s request for comment. Despite this, Andrea Guerra, CEO of Prada, emphasized that the law would require “disciplined execution and patience,” especially as children and teens navigate the shifting digital landscape.
The introduction of this law reflects growing concerns over the impact of social media on younger generations, particularly the algorithm-driven platforms that dominate their online experiences. Wells framed the new law as a necessary response to the “dopamine drip” of constant notifications and addictive behaviors that young people face.
Tech Companies’ Accountability
Moving forward, tech companies will be required to provide regular reports detailing how many under-16 accounts they have. This transparency aims to ensure that these platforms comply with the law and protect the online safety of minors.
