Australia Bans YouTube Accounts for Under-16s Starting December

The Albanese government has decided to include YouTube in its world-first under-16 social media ban, effective December 10, 2025, alongside platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. This decision reverses an earlier exemption for YouTube due to its perceived educational value, following advice from the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who cited the platform's persuasive design features and associated harms to children's health. Under the new legislation, children under 16 will be banned from creating YouTube accounts but can still access videos without logging in, while platforms face fines up to $49.5 million for failing to prevent underage account creation. The government emphasized protecting children from predatory algorithms and social media harms, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighting the commitment to family and children's wellbeing. YouTube has expressed opposition, arguing it offers value to younger users, and has threatened legal action, but the government stands firm on the inclusion. Exemptions apply to online gaming, messaging, health, and education services, which are considered less harmful or regulated differently.