Australia will enforce one of the world’s toughest digital safety laws by banning children under the age of 16 from accessing YouTube and major social media platforms, the government announced on Wednesday.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the move aims to protect young users from harmful online content and “predatory algorithms.” She noted that four in ten Australian children had reported being exposed to inappropriate material on YouTube.
“We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are,” Wells said in a statement. “There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”
The new regulation, set to take effect from December 10, will prohibit anyone under 16 from creating or using accounts on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms. The announcement marks a reversal in the government’s earlier stance that YouTube — widely used in schools — would be exempt.
“Young people under the age of 16 will not be able to have accounts on YouTube,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed. “We want Australian parents and families to know that we have got their back.”
Although Albanese acknowledged enforcement might not be flawless — comparing it to age restrictions on alcohol — he insisted it was a necessary step to protect children online.
YouTube pushed back, arguing that it is not a social media platform. “Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video-sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens,” a spokesperson said. “It’s not social media.”
The legislation allows for fines up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for non-compliance. However, critics say the law lacks clarity on how it will be enforced. Some experts have warned it could amount to a symbolic measure unless clear mechanisms are established.
Social media companies have also voiced opposition. TikTok accused the government of disregarding expert advice on mental health and online safety. Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, warned the ban could create an “onerous burden on parents and teens.”
Despite the backlash, the law has drawn global attention, with several countries monitoring Australia’s approach as they consider implementing similar child protection measures in the digital space.
