Archive · 24 Jun 2025
Australia's Watchdog Challenges YouTube Exemption in Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia is planning a ban on social media for kids under 16.
The government had planned to let YouTube off the hook, but now the eSafety Commissioner wants them included.
The Commissioner says kids are seeing too much bad stuff on YouTube.
YouTube disagrees, saying that parents think it's fine and that the Commissioner's advice is inconsistent.
The government is now deciding what to do.
The new law, which will fine companies that don't block under-16s, is set to start in December.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner wants the government to remove YouTube's exemption from social media restrictions for under-16s.
The government plans a ban on under-16s on social media by December, fining non-compliant platforms.
The eSafety Commissioner cited research showing a high percentage of children encountered harmful content on YouTube.
YouTube responded, disagreeing with the Commissioner and highlighting parental views on its suitability.
The Communications Minister is reviewing the eSafety Commissioner's advice.
- Who
- Australia's eSafety Commissioner, YouTube, the Australian government.
- What
- Disagreement over YouTube's exemption from Australia's social media ban for under-16s.
- When
- The ban is set to be introduced by December.
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To determine if YouTube should be exempt from the under-16 social media ban.
eSafety Commissioner
YouTube
Exemption
eSafety Commissioner
Believes YouTube should not be exempt.
YouTube
YouTube believes it should be exempt.
Child Safety
eSafety Commissioner
Concerned about child safety and the amount of harmful content.
YouTube
Believes its platform is suitable for younger users.
- Key Players
- eSafety Commissioner, YouTube, Australian Government
- Dispute
- YouTube exemption from social media ban
- eSafety Concern
- Harmful content viewed by children on YouTube
- YouTube's Stance
- Platform is suitable, cites parental approval
- Government Action
- Reviewing Commissioner's advice
- Law Rollout
- December
