Big Tech Challenges YouTube Exemption From Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children
Meta Platforms, TikTok, and Snapchat are urging Australia to reconsider exempting YouTube from its new law banning social media access for children under 16.
The legislation, passed in November, imposes some of the world's strictest limits on social media, requiring platforms to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (SGD 44.3 million). The ban is set to take effect by the end of the year.
YouTube is the only platform granted an exemption, as it is considered an educational tool and can be accessed by children through a family account with parental supervision.
Meta argued that YouTube offers the same features that led to the ban, including algorithmic content recommendations, social interaction tools, and exposure to harmful content. The company called for equal enforcement of the law across all platforms.
TikTok warned that exempting YouTube would create an "illogical, anticompetitive, and short-sighted" policy. Snapchat also opposed the exemption, stating that no company should receive preferential treatment.
Mental health and extremism experts have raised concerns that YouTube exposes children to addictive and harmful content, similar to other social media platforms.
YouTube has defended its moderation efforts, stating that it has strengthened its policies and expanded its automated detection of harmful content.
Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat oppose YouTube’s exemption from Australia’s social media ban for children
The law, passed in November, imposes fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (SGD 44.3 million) for non-compliance
YouTube is exempted due to its educational value and parental supervision features
Source: REUTERS