Australia Reverses Stance, Bans YouTube Accounts for Under-16s

Australia Reverses Stance, Bans YouTube Accounts for Under-16s
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In a significant policy reversal, the Australian government announced today that YouTube will be included among the social media platforms required to ensure account holders are at least 16 years old, effective December 10, 2025, Arab News reported.

This decision expands Australia’s world-first laws that previously exempted the popular video-sharing service from age restrictions imposed on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X.

Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed the new rules, stating that platforms failing to take “responsible steps” to exclude underage account holders will face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million). While children will still be able to access YouTube content, they will be prohibited from creating or holding their own accounts.

The government’s decision comes despite YouTube’s protests, with its owner, Alphabet Inc., reportedly considering legal action. YouTube maintains that it is a video-sharing platform, not a social media service. However, Minister Wells cited government research indicating that “four out of 10 Australian kids report that their most recent harm was on YouTube,” defending the move as a crucial step for the wellbeing of Australian children.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Australia’s commitment to protecting young people online and stated that the country would advocate for international support for similar bans at an upcoming United Nations forum in New York. The ban aims to mitigate harmful impacts such as addictive behaviors, social isolation, sleep interference, and exposure to inappropriate content, with the onus placed on platforms to implement age verification methods.