Tech Desk 
Jul 30, 2025
Australia has broadened its world-first teenage social media prohibition to include YouTube, reversing a prior exception for the famous video-sharing site. This means that Australians under 16 will not be able to make YouTube accounts after the law goes into effect in December 2025.
In announcing the policy on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that children are already being harmed by online platforms and has warned tech giants about their "social responsibility." He also said, "I want Australian parents to know we have their back."
The reversal comes on the advice of the country's internet regulator, based on a survey that found 37% of minors had been presented with harmful content on YouTube, with that figure being larger than on any of the other platforms.
YouTube, which is owned by Google parent company Alphabet, has argued it should not be placed in the same category as social media since it is mainly a video library and is being increasingly viewed on TV screens.
Regardless of that pronouncement, critics have countered that YouTube's algorithm recommends content for viewers and allows interaction for users, the same as these platforms—TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat—that are already included in the ban.
Notably, the new rules will allow teachers and parents to still show YouTube videos to students, as minors will not be able to maintain accounts.
Communications Minister Anika Wells struck a firm tone in parliament: “I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian kids.”
Under the law, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to block underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
