YouTube is taking a last-minute approach to persuade the government against including it in the social media ban for individuals under 16. The company firmly believes in its position that YouTube is not a social media platform and argues that including it in the ban would constitute an abrupt policy reversal. Google, which owns YouTube, plans to host a significant event at Parliament House this week. This event is set to feature popular YouTubers as a final effort before a decision is made regarding which tech platforms will be restricted for children.
During an interview on the ABC’s Insiders, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concerns about the content available on YouTube, suggesting it might be included in the ban. He explicitly stated that the government will make its assessments independently, disregarding any threats from social media companies.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the negative impact of social media on young people’s mental health and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing this issue. He mentioned meeting with parents who have experienced tragic situations related to their children’s interaction with social media.
Communications Minister Anika Wells is expected to announce the final list of platforms affected by the ban soon. Initially, YouTube was exempted from the ban, which is set to be legislated in December 2024. However, the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, recently recommended that YouTube should be included in the ban after all.
YouTube and its competitors, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, have different views on the ban, with Google strongly opposing incorporation based on the premise that YouTube is distinct from other applications due to its value to younger Australians. Google has also considered legal action if YouTube is included in the ban, arguing that it would infringe upon the constitutional right to political communication.
The upcoming events at Parliament House, including an annual “Google at Parliament House” event, will provide a platform for various tech companies, including Google, to advocate for their positions. The event will include presentations from partners, businesses, and meetings with beloved YouTube creators.
Guardian Australia has reported that The Mik Maks, creators of children’s educational videos, have also spoken out against YouTube’s inclusion in the ban and have supported Google in this matter.
In response to Google’s threat, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that the government’s decision will be made independent of these threats. He stressed the eSafety Commissioner’s findings that a significant number of children have been exposed to harmful content on YouTube, supporting her recommendation for inclusion in the ban.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/27/google-canberra-event-as-youtube-lobbies-against-inclusion-in-australian-under-16s-social-media-ban
