Australia Adds YouTube to List of Social Media Platforms Banned for Minors

The Australian government announced on Wednesday, July 30, that YouTube will now be included in the list of social media platforms restricted for minors under new legislation set to take effect later this year.

“Social media platforms have a social responsibility, and there is no doubt that Australian children are being negatively impacted. It is time to say enough,” stated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a press release quoted by multiple media outlets.

According to Reuters, the decision follows a recommendation from Australia’s internet regulator last month, urging the government to reverse YouTube’s initial exemption. The call was based on survey results showing that 37 percent of minors reported harmful content on the platform, the highest figure among all social media services.

When the law was passed in November, YouTube—owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet—had been excluded on the basis of being considered low risk.

As reported by EFE, that decision drew criticism from other major tech companies affected by the regulation, including Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, and TikTok.

“There is no perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online, but setting a minimum age for social media use will make a positive difference in their well-being,” said Communications Minister Anika Wells.

The government confirmed that it has seen promising results from feasibility studies on the new regulation, which will officially go into effect on December 10, 2025.