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Australia is set to expand its under-16 social media restrictions to include YouTube, with the new rule taking effect from 10 December 2025.

This move reverses an earlier exemption granted to YouTube and brings it in line with other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X.

Platforms that fail to comply with the rule could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (approximately RM150 million).

 

What we could expect

The decision is part of Australia’s broader Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which mandates that social media platforms block users under 16 from creating accounts.

YouTube had initially been excluded from this regulation due to its educational and content streaming nature. However, the exemption has now been revoked following new safety concerns.

 

What happened

The Australian government confirmed on 29 July 2025 that YouTube will no longer be exempt from the minimum age law. The change follows a recommendation by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who cited findings that YouTube is a frequent source of harmful content among minors.

In fact, 37 percent of children who reported viewing harmful content online said it occurred on YouTube — more than on any other platform.

While YouTube argues that it is primarily a video-sharing site rather than a social media platform, the government has decided to include it in the ban.

YouTube has raised concerns over freedom of expression and warned of a potential legal challenge, including a case before the High Court of Australia.

Despite this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells have reaffirmed the government's stance, stating that the priority is to protect young users and not to back down in the face of legal threats.

Some critics warn that the ban could limit access to educational content and argue for a more targeted approach, such as media literacy education rather than platform restrictions.

 

Platform and policy overview

Key details of the policy include:

  • Effective Date: 10 December 2025
  • Targeted Platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X
  • Legal Basis: Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Up to AUD 49.5 million (≈ RM150 million) in fines
  • Age Verification: Platforms must demonstrate adequate age-check mechanisms
  • Exemptions: Apps focused on education or health (e.g., YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, Headspace) may still apply for exemptions

Under the new rules, children under 16 will not be allowed to create or manage accounts on these platforms. However, they can still view public content on YouTube without logging in.

Further technical assessments are underway to determine suitable age verification tools for enforcement.


Do you agree with Australia’s decision to ban YouTube accounts for users under 16? Will this approach influence other countries to adopt similar measures, or could it risk limiting access to valuable online content? Let us know what you think.

Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.