The Australian government is reevaluating YouTube’s exemption from its upcoming social media ban for users aged 16 and under.

This reconsideration follows recommendations from e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

The law is set to take effect in December, already covering platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Google, YouTube’s parent company, has raised concerns about the proposed inclusion.

The company argues that YouTube functions primarily as a video-sharing platform, not a social media service.

In a letter to Communications Minister Anika Wells, Google suggested that the ban could violate Australia’s implied constitutional freedom of political communication.

The government’s reconsideration is based on research indicating that children encounter more harmful content on YouTube than on other platforms.

Commissioner Inman Grant noted that the law will not prevent children from accessing educational content through approved school links or in a logged-out state.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to Google’s concerns by saying that the government will not be swayed by threats from tech companies.

He reiterated the importance of social responsibility in addressing the mental health impacts of social media on young people.

Under the new legislation, platforms could face penalties of up to US$50 million if they fail to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.

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