TLDRs:
Contents
- Australia may include YouTube in its upcoming ban for users under 16.
- Google argues YouTube is a video platform, not social media.
- Law could fine platforms up to $50M for allowing underage accounts.
- YouTube already raised livestream age limit from 13 to 16 this July.
Australia’s government is reconsidering whether YouTube should be exempt from a new law banning users under 16 from creating social media accounts.
Initially excluded from the legislation, YouTube has now come under renewed scrutiny following a recommendation from e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who pointed to new data indicating that children may be exposed to more harmful content on YouTube than on competing platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
The legislation, set to come into effect in December 2025, already includes major platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok. Companies found in violation, by allowing users under 16 to maintain accounts, could face penalties of up to USD $50 million.
Google Defends YouTube
Google, YouTube’s parent company, is strongly opposing the potential inclusion, arguing that YouTube is fundamentally different from traditional social media.
In a letter sent to Communications Minister Anika Wells, Google asserted that YouTube primarily operates as a video-sharing and educational platform, not a social networking site.
Moreover, Google warned that including YouTube in the ban may violate Australia’s implied constitutional protections for political communication. While Commissioner Inman Grant clarified that educational YouTube content would still be accessible through approved school portals or in logged-out mode, Google insists the broader implications could chill access to valuable public content.
YouTube Already Raised Livestream Age to 16 in July
This debate comes just weeks after YouTube independently raised its minimum age for live streaming from 13 to 16, effective July 22
The company cited child safety concerns as the primary reason for the change. Under the new policy, minors aged 13–15 can only livestream if supervised by an adult who has management access to the channel.
YouTube has also issued stricter guidelines for young creators, warning them against sharing personal information during streams and urging the use of trusted adult moderators to block harmful comments in real-time. Repeated violations can lead to livestreaming bans and account restrictions.
Albanese Government Stresses Tech Accountability
Responding to Google’s legal objections, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that his government would not be “bullied” by corporate interests. He reiterated the policy’s intent: protecting young Australians from mental health harms linked to social media usage.
“The evidence is clear, platforms must prioritize child safety,” Albanese said. “We welcome innovation, but not at the expense of our kids’ wellbeing.”
If YouTube is added to the law, it would mark a significant expansion of Australia’s digital safety regime, and could influence similar regulatory efforts worldwide. For now, all eyes are on the government’s final decision as December approaches.
