C hildren and teenagers under 16 will be banned from logging into YouTube as part of Australia’s upcoming restrictions on social media use, after the federal government reversed plans to exempt the platform, ABC reports. The change marks a significant shift in the rollout of the legislation, which is set to be presented to parliament on Wednesday. Originally flagged for exclusion due to its educational applications, YouTube has now been brought under the umbrella of the ban alongside platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The updated rules clarify which types of online services will be exempt,

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hildren and teenagers under 16 will be banned from logging into YouTube as part of Australia’s upcoming restrictions on social media use, after the federal government reversed plans to exempt the platform, ABC reports. The change marks a significant shift in the rollout of the legislation, which is set to be presented to parliament on Wednesday. Originally flagged for exclusion due to its educational applications, YouTube has now been brought under the umbrella of the ban alongside platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The updated rules clarify which types of online services will be exempt, including those focused on gaming, messaging, health, and education but YouTube will no longer be among them. The decision follows mounting pressure, including a legal threat from Google, YouTube’s parent company, after the exemption was reconsidered. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made it clear that corporate lobbying would not influence the final decision.

“Our government is making it clear — we stand on the side of families. Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I’m calling time on it.” Albanese said in a statement on Tuesday.

Although YouTube allows users to access most content without signing in, inclusion in the ban means users under 16 will be blocked from viewing age-restricted material while logged in. They may still view general content anonymously, but limitations on access are intended to curb exposure to harmful material. The policy shift follows recommendations from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who advised new Communications Minister Anika Wells to remove YouTube’s exemption. Grant cited research showing YouTube is the platform where young Australians most frequently encounter harmful content. “When we asked where they were experiencing harm and the kinds of harms they were experiencing, the most prevalent place where young Australians experienced harm was on YouTube — almost 37 per cent,” she said. “This ranges from misogynistic content to hateful material, to violent fighting videos, online challenges, disordered eating, suicidal ideation.” Grant also warned against carving out exemptions for specific platforms, arguing that YouTube functions in ways consistent with other social media services and should not receive special treatment. Her concerns were echoed by rival platforms, which accused the government of privately offering YouTube a “sweetheart deal.” YouTube has defended its classification as a video streaming service rather than a social media platform, pointing to its widespread use in classrooms and homes as an educational resource.

Youtube is the largest video sharing website in the world.

Nonetheless, under the new legislation which is due to come into force on December 10, platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to restrict access for under-16 users may face penalties of up to nearly $50 million. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the new rules mark a major advance in online safety. “There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online — but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing,” she said.

“There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”

A little more informed. A little more connected.