Young users under the age of 16 will be barred from accessing YouTube in Australia.
Australia has taken a significant step towards digital safety by introducing new social media laws that ban children under the age of 16 from accessing platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. This legislation, known as the Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025, aims to protect young Australians from potential harms associated with social media use [1][2].
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the ban, stating that the government's goal is to give young Australians more time to develop real-world connections and online resilience [2]. The ban applies to "age-restricted social media platforms," defined as services where users can interact and post content. Platforms that fail to prevent under-16 account holders face fines up to AUD 49.5 million [1].
The inclusion of YouTube in the ban followed pressure from Australia's eSafety Commissioner after initially being exempted. Google's parent company has reportedly considered legal action in response [2][4]. The company emphasized that YouTube has a library of free, high-quality content increasingly viewed on TV screens. However, YouTube's position is that it is a video sharing platform, not a social media site [4].
The ban is part of a broader government strategy to address rising youth mental health issues linked to social media use, receiving strong public support but facing criticism over enforceability and potential unintended consequences [3]. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the age limit may not be implemented perfectly, similar to existing restrictions on alcohol [3].
The ban is intended to shield children from "predatory algorithms" and to ensure that children know who they are before platforms assume who they are. Four in ten Australian children have reported viewing harmful content on YouTube, highlighting the need for such measures [5].
This legislation is considered world-leading in its approach to regulating social media for minors, representing a significant shift in digital safety policy in Australia [1][3]. Albanese announced that young people under 16 will not be able to have accounts on YouTube, and the ban is aimed at providing a safer online environment for Australia's youth.
Social-media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, which are subject to the new Australian digital safety laws, are now part of a restricted category targeted at users under 16, aiming to protect young Australians and promote real-world connections. The ban on such platforms also extends to entertainment content, emphasizing the Australian government's commitment to ensuring a safer lifestyle online for minors.
