YouTube to be included in Australia's teen social media ban
YouTube - owned by Google - had argued it shouldn't be blocked for children as the platform "offers benefit and value to younger Australians": "It's not social media," it said in statement on Wednesday.
Under the ban, teenagers will still be able to view YouTube videos but will not be permitted to have an account, which is required for uploading content or interacting on the platform.
The video sharing site was set to be excluded from the ban - which will limit TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and Snapchat and is due to start in December.
YouTube will be included in Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16, after the government ditched a previous exemption for the platform.
Australia's laws are being watched with great interest by global leaders, with Norway announcing a similar ban and the UK saying it is considering following suit.
"Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told media on Wednesday.
"We know that this is not the only solution," he said of the ban, "but it will make a difference."
Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant last month recommended YouTube be added to the ban as it was "the most frequently cited platform" where children aged 10 to 15 years saw "harmful content".
After Wednesday's announcement, a spokesperson from YouTube said it will "consider next steps" and "continue to engage" with the government.
... continue reading