YouTube warns Australia’s under-16 social media ban may reduce safety features for children

YouTube has raised concerns over Australia’s new Social Media Minimum Age Act, which will block children under 16 from using the platform with personal accounts starting December 10. The company argues that this law will remove parental controls and account-based protections, making children less safe online. Children will still be able to watch videos, but without an account, they will lose access to content restrictions, channel blocking, and wellbeing features like reminders to take breaks. Google’s YouTube Australia public policy manager, Rachel Lord, described the law as rushed and said it fails to address the complexities of online safety regulation. Communications Minister Anika Wells responded by stating that YouTube’s warnings highlight the dangers of its platform, which the company itself should address. The ban also targets other platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Twitch, Threads, Reddit, and Kick, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is also monitoring emerging apps like Lemon8 and Yope. Wells emphasized that Generation Alpha is particularly vulnerable to algorithm-driven content and constant notifications, and the government sees the law as a necessary measure to protect children from online harms.