The Australian government has decided that starting December 10, children under 16 years old will not be allowed to have their own YouTube accounts. This is a change from a previous decision last year, when YouTube was not included in the ban on social media accounts for young users.
The new rule means that YouTube, along with other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X, must make sure no one under 16 can create an account. If these platforms fail to enforce this rule, they could face fines up to 50 million Australian dollars (about 33 million US dollars).
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the decision was based on research showing that 40% of Australian kids reported their most recent online harm happened on YouTube. She said the government will not be scared by legal threats from YouTube’s owner, Alphabet Inc.
YouTube responded by saying it disagrees with the decision. The company says YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not a social media site, and plans to discuss the matter further with the government.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will ask other countries at a United Nations meeting to support banning children from social media platforms.
Children will still be able to watch YouTube videos, but they just cannot have their own accounts.
The government also said children will not need to upload personal documents like passports to prove their age. Platforms must find other ways to confirm users are over 16.
Some apps like online games, messaging, education, and health apps are not included in this ban because they are seen as less harmful to children.
The age limit aims to protect children from negative effects such as addiction, poor mental health, and exposure to harmful content caused by social media.
