July 30, 2025 – Australia is set to enforce a sweeping social media ban for users under 16 starting December 10, with YouTube now included in the crackdown despite earlier exemptions. The government’s new rules will prohibit minors from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube, marking a significant escalation in global efforts to regulate digital access for young people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the policy during a press conference, acknowledging that “social media causes real societal harm” and framing the ban as a critical first step. “This won’t solve everything overnight, but it’s a meaningful change that starts holding platforms accountable,” he said. Companies found violating the age restrictions could face fines up to AUD 49.5 million per incident.
YouTube, which had previously argued it operated as a video-sharing service rather than a social media platform, expressed disappointment in the reversal. “We share the government’s goal of reducing online harm but disagree with this reclassification,” a spokesperson said via email, noting the platform’s ongoing collaboration with regulators. The move came after Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant urged authorities to revoke YouTube’s exemption last month, citing data showing it ranked as both the most used and most harmful platform among Australian youth.
Exemptions remain for apps categorized as online gaming, communication, education, or health services, which officials claim pose lower risks. Communications Minister Annika Wells clarified that these platforms were excluded due to their “demonstrably different impact on children’s well-being.” YouTube Kids, the child-focused version with parental controls, will also remain unaffected by the new law.
Critics argue the ban overlooks systemic issues like algorithmic addiction and lacks enforcement mechanisms, but supporters praise Australia’s leadership in prioritizing child safety over corporate interests. With similar debates intensifying in the EU and U.S., the world is watching whether this approach will reduce cyberbullying and mental health crises—or simply drive underage users to VPNs and alternative platforms.
