Australia to Ban YouTube Access for Under-16s

Australia is preparing to ban children under the age of 16 from using YouTube as part of a broader crackdown on online platforms that use what officials describe as predatory algorithms targeting young users.

Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the move on Wednesday, emphasizing that while social media may have a place in society, it must not endanger children’s mental wellbeing. She stated that there is no place for algorithms that aggressively engage and exploit young users.

The upcoming legislation follows the landmark Internet Safety Bill passed by the Australian Parliament in November 2024.

That law barred individuals under 16 from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. The bipartisan legislation did not initially cover YouTube, which was widely considered an educational tool and therefore exempt.

At the time, the government clarified that YouTube would remain accessible in schools due to its widespread use in classrooms for educational content. However, growing concerns over the platform's algorithmic design have prompted a policy shift.

In response to the government’s new plans, a YouTube spokesperson defended the platform, stating it is not a social media network but rather a video-sharing site with a vast library of high-quality, free content. 

The representative also noted that YouTube’s viewership is increasingly shifting to television screens, further distinguishing it from traditional social networks.