YouTube has voiced concerns over Australia’s proposed plan to ban children under 16 from using social media, describing the move as “well intentioned” but unlikely to enhance online safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced the law last year, which aims to block under-16s from accessing platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram by the end of 2025. Platforms that fail to comply could face hefty penalties.
However, YouTube—which is also covered by the law—insists it should not be classified as a social media platform. Its local spokeswoman, Rachel Lord, told a Senate committee on Monday that while the plan aims to protect children, it could have “unintended consequences.”
“The legislation will not only be extremely difficult to enforce, it also does not fulfil its promise of making kids safer online,” she said. “Well-crafted legislation can be an effective tool to build on industry efforts to keep children and teens safer online, but the solution to keeping kids safer online is not stopping them from being online.”
Lord further argued that YouTube should be “out of scope of this legislation, because we are not a social media service.”
Australia, known for its proactive stance on online safety, has not detailed how the law would be enforced. Experts fear the move may be more symbolic than practical. Major tech companies have labelled the proposal “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
The eSafety Commissioner will be empowered to fine companies up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for violations. Recently, the government clarified that social media platforms will not need to verify every user’s age but must take “reasonable steps” to detect and remove underage users.
What you should know
YouTube, part of Google’s global media empire, is pushing back against Australia’s sweeping new internet safety measures, warning that banning children entirely from online spaces could do more harm than good.
The debate underscores a growing global struggle to balance digital safety with access and education in the internet age.
