The move aims to shield children from “predatory algorithms” and expands a wider crackdown on major social media platforms.
Australia announced on Wednesday that it will ban children under the age of 16 from using YouTube. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the policy is designed to protect young people from harmful content and what the government calls "predatory algorithms." The decision adds YouTube to a list of other major social media platforms already facing similar restrictions in the country.
The government's primary motivation is to combat the negative influence of social media on minors. Communications Minister Anika Wells explained the urgency, citing that "four-in-ten Australian children had reported viewing harmful content on YouTube." She stressed the need to act against algorithms that target vulnerable users. "We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are," Wells said. "There's a place for social media, but there's not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese positioned the ban as a measure to support families, stating, “We want Australian parents and families to know that we have got their back.” While acknowledging it is not a complete fix, he added, “We know this is not the only solution and there’s more to do. But it will make a difference. We know that social media is doing social harm.” Under the new rules, non-compliant platforms like YouTube face a potential fine of A$49.5 million ($32.2 million).
This decision to include YouTube is an expansion of a broader social media ban announced last year. That initial policy, which is set to come into effect from December 10, already targeted Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. YouTube was originally excluded from that list, but this week’s announcement reverses that position, bringing the video-streaming giant under the same regulatory framework.
With this announcement, YouTube must now prepare to implement measures to prevent underage children from using its service in Australia or risk a substantial fine. The Australian government has signaled a firm stance on regulating Big Tech to mitigate "social harm." The effectiveness and enforcement of these wide-ranging bans will be closely monitored by parents, tech companies, and other nations considering similar legislative action.
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