July 29,2025
RED FM News Desk
Australia announced on Wednesday that it will now include Alphabet-owned YouTube in its groundbreaking ban on social media access for teenagers, reversing its earlier decision to exempt the platform.
The shift comes after the country’s internet watchdog urged the government to reconsider, citing research showing that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 had encountered harmful content on YouTube—more than on any other social media platform.
Major social media companies, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as Snapchat and TikTok, had criticized the original exemption, calling it unfair.
“Social media has a social responsibility, and there’s no doubt that Australian children are being harmed by these platforms. It’s time to act,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “Social media is doing social harm to our kids, and I want Australian parents to know we’re standing with them.”
Under the law passed in November, social media companies could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32.2 million) starting in December if they fail to comply.
In response, a YouTube spokesperson said the company is reviewing its options and remains in dialogue with the government. “We share the government’s goal of reducing online harm. But we maintain that YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not social media. It offers a vast library of free, high-quality content and is increasingly watched on TVs,” the spokesperson said via email.
Communications Minister Anika Wells added that the new age restrictions will not apply to online gaming, messaging apps, or health and education websites, as they are either regulated differently or pose less risk to teens under 16.
“These rules aren’t just ‘set and forget’—they are designed to be supported and enforced,” Wells stated.
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