YouTube Banned for Under-16s: A New Direction in Social Media Regulation

Strategic Insights -

The federal government is set to ban children from creating YouTube accounts, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the platform from national under-16s social media restrictions. The move, to be confirmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells, will come into effect on December 10. YouTube argued it operated differently to other platforms, but the eSafety commissioner advised the new minister that the video platform poses a threat to young people.

Key Takeaways:

  • YouTube will be included in the social media ban for under-16s, alongside platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X.
  • The decision to ban YouTube was made after advice from the eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who cited a survey of 2,600 children that nearly four in 10 reported exposure to harmful content on YouTube.
  • YouTube Kids, a more tightly curated app, will still be available for children under 16.
  • The ban on social media for under-16s will come into effect on December 10, with platforms facing fines of up to $49.5m for failing to prevent children from creating accounts.
  • The government will provide more information and guidance for tech companies on the "reasonable steps" test in coming months.
  • Some major tech platforms have privately raised concerns about the lack of information on meeting the "reasonable steps" test.

Statistics:

  • Almost 40% of children reported exposure to harmful content on YouTube, according to a survey of 2,600 children.
  • The social media ban for under-16s will cover platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X.
  • Platforms will face fines of up to $49.5m for failing to prevent children from creating accounts.
  • The social media ban is set to come into effect on December 10.