The Australian government has decided to tighten its proposed social media ban for users under 16 by adding YouTube to the list of platforms that will fall under new regulations. YouTube now joins TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat on the list of sites where minors will no longer be allowed to create or use accounts without parental consent. The policy is expected to take effect by the end of 2025.

YouTube was originally left off the list, which sparked strong reactions from the public and tech competitors. Critics pointed out that YouTube is often the first online experience for children—used for entertainment, education, and social interaction. At the same time, the platform also gives young users easy access to inappropriate or harmful content. Experts argued that excluding YouTube would have undermined the effectiveness of the entire law.


Secret Deal with Google and Push for Equal Rules

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that former Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had privately assured Google that YouTube would be exempt from the new law. The revelation raised concerns about Big Tech’s influence over policymaking and whether the approach was truly fair. Companies like Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and Snap Inc. argued that for the law to be credible, it must be applied uniformly across all platforms.

In response, the government announced that YouTube would be added to the regulations. The only exception is the YouTube Kids app, which offers parental controls and curated child-friendly content.

Companies will be required to implement robust age verification systems and parental consent mechanisms, and violations could result in heavy fines. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that tech-savvy kids may still try to bypass restrictions and urged platforms to take all reasonable steps to prevent that.

Public reactions remain mixed. Some parents and safety experts welcome the move as a step forward in combating cyberbullying and online addiction, while others worry it could restrict access to valuable educational and creative tools widely used by children. Still, Australia is joining a growing global trend toward stricter digital protections for minors, following similar discussions in the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union.

#YouTube , #Regulation , #CyberSafety , #worldnews , #Australia

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