The Australian government has confirmed that YouTube will be included in its world-leading social media ban, forcing the platform to bar users under 16 from having accounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will not be intimidated by Google's threats to sue over the decision.
Details of how the ban will operate are set to be presented to parliament on Wednesday, with the law due to take effect from December. The ban will also apply to other platforms like TikTok and Instagram. YouTube Kids is expected to be exempt as it does not allow user-to-user communication.
The government reversed its earlier plan to grant YouTube an exemption after the eSafety Commissioner recommended against it. Research found that nearly 37% of young Australians experienced harm on YouTube, including exposure to misogynistic content, hateful material, and violent videos.
Communications Minister Anika Wells responded to Google's legal threats, stating, 'We can't control the ocean, but we can police the sharks.' The eSafety Commission welcomed the release of the rules, noting there would be no blanket exceptions for platforms.
