Australia is preparing to implement a world‑first policy banning social media use for individuals under 16. Originally, YouTube was exempt, but legislation now includes it along with TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. The policy launches in December 2025. Users under 16 can view, but cannot register accounts to prevent user interaction and content uploading.
New Australian Law Restricts Social Media Use for Individuals Under 16 Now Includes YouTube
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the regulation is intended to support parents in protecting their children from digital harms. He argued that algorithms employed by these platforms can have socially damaging effects on younger users. The policy follows growing concern among experts and parents about the negative mental health impacts associated with constant exposure to curated online feeds.
Electronic Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirmed that YouTube was included in the ban after being identified as the platform most frequently mentioned in harmful experience reports by children between the ages of 10 and 15. This decision overturned a previous exemption that classified YouTube as separate from other social media networks due to its primary focus on video sharing rather than user interaction.
The new law prohibits users under sixteen from creating accounts or uploading content on these platforms. However, they will still be permitted to browse and watch videos in limited capacities. Online games, educational tools, health applications, and messaging services will remain exempt from the legislation because these services are not considered to pose significant harm to minors under current government assessments.
Several technology companies have voiced opposition to the policy. Google, the parent company of YouTube, has maintained that the policy infringes on political freedoms and may result in legal challenges. It also earlier contended that YouTube does not qualify as a social media. Despite this pushback, Australian regulators have maintained that the new rules will stand and are necessary for the long‑term well-being of young citizens.
Penalties for violating the regulation are severe. Social media platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars, mandatory suspension of non‑compliant accounts, and restrictions on new user registrations. Australian authorities have also announced measures to target attempts to circumvent the ban to ensure strong law enforcement across all major digital platforms operating and available in the country.
International reactions to the Australian social media ban have been significant. Norway has already announced similar legislation, and the United Kingdom is reportedly considering similar measures or other forms of regulation. The approach of Australia could become a model for child‑protection laws in other jurisdictions as governments worldwide grapple with the growing influence of social media and the internet on young people.
The policy will undergo parliamentary debate in the coming weeks to finalize operational details and compliance mechanisms. Lawmakers are expected to refine enforcement guidelines and address concerns raised by several industry stakeholders. Once approved, the law will represent one of the most comprehensive regulatory efforts globally to shield children from the harmful effects of modern online ecosystems.