Google Threatens Legal Action Over Australia Teen Social Media Ban

Australia is moving forward with a social media ban that will restrict children under 16 from having accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, with legislation set to take effect in December. YouTube, initially exempted from this ban, is now facing potential inclusion following a recommendation from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who cited research showing higher exposure to harmful content on YouTube than other platforms. Google, which owns YouTube, has strongly opposed this inclusion, arguing that YouTube is a video platform rather than a social media service and warning the government of possible legal action if it is included. The company has also launched an ad campaign and is hosting an event in Canberra's Parliament House to lobby against the ban, emphasizing YouTube’s educational value for teens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells have dismissed Google's threats and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting young Australians' mental health. Meanwhile, competitors like Meta and TikTok have criticized YouTube’s initial exemption as unfair, highlighting the functional similarities between YouTube Shorts and TikTok videos.