YouTube Opposes Inclusion in Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Legal Threats

Google is actively lobbying against the potential inclusion of YouTube in Australia’s proposed social media ban for users under 16, arguing that such a move is unwarranted and possibly unconstitutional. The federal legislation, set to take effect by the end of 2025, aims to restrict access to platforms deemed harmful to young users. While YouTube was initially exempted, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has now recommended its inclusion, citing alarming rates of exposure among 10–15-year-olds to harmful content including misogyny, self-harm, and violent challenges.

In response, Google has launched a full-scale campaign to maintain YouTube’s exclusion from the ban. The company submitted a formal objection to Communications Minister Anika Wells, warning that the platform’s reclassification could breach constitutional protections of political communication. It contends that YouTube differs fundamentally from other social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram, describing it as a video-sharing and educational tool rather than a traditional social network.

In a public relations push, Google hosted a high-profile event at Parliament House featuring Australian YouTubers to underscore YouTube’s role in education, creativity, and positive online engagement. It also took out full-page advertisements in national newspapers to bolster its position.

Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asserted that corporate lobbying will not sway the government’s final decision. He reaffirmed the administration’s focus on safeguarding children’s mental health and online safety.

The final list of platforms to be included in the ban will be determined by Minister Wells in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the debate continues over how to balance digital freedom, platform responsibility, and the well-being of Australia’s youth in an increasingly online world.