Canberra – The Australian government has officially added YouTube to the list of social media platforms where children under the age of 16 are prohibited from creating accounts. The updated regulation will take effect from December 2025, aimed at enhancing online safety for minors.
Australia had already banned minors under 16 from joining platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. Initially, YouTube was excluded from this law when it was passed in November last year, but authorities have now changed their position.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that YouTube will now be required to verify that its users are at least 16 years old. Failure to comply with this law could result in penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars.
She added, “We are taking this step for the safety of our children. Companies must comply. The government will not bow to industry pressure.”
Although the law outlines the age restrictions and penalties, it is not yet clear how platforms like YouTube will implement age verification.
The decision follows a government study revealing that 4 out of 10 Australian children reported having harmful experiences on YouTube. While the platform will still be accessible, children will no longer be allowed to create or manage their own accounts — parents can manage access instead.
In response, YouTube stated that it supports online safety efforts but argued that it is not a traditional social media platform. “YouTube is a video-sharing service, mostly used on TV screens,” the company said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will push for global support on restricting children’s access to social media at the upcoming United Nations summit.
The law does not apply to apps related to gaming, messaging, education, or health, which are considered less harmful to minors.
According to the government, this initiative is part of a broader plan to protect children from the negative effects of social media, such as addiction, mental health issues, sleep disruption, and exposure to inappropriate content.
