Australia puts YouTube on list of banned social media for children under 16; How it will work, platforms included, and penalties

The Albanese government has announced that YouTube will be included in its new social media ban for users under the age of 16, a decision placing Australia at the global forefront of digital child protection.

The initial decision was to exempt the platform, but it changed following a formal recommendation from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who cited a national survey of 2,600 minors showing that nearly 40 percent of children reported exposure to harmful content on YouTube, more than any other platform.

While YouTube content will still be viewable without an account, users under 16 will be unable to comment, upload videos, or access age-restricted content.


YouTube Kids app remains exempt.

The sweeping policy described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “world-leading” aims to reduce mental health harms by delaying children’s exposure to addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, and graphic or inappropriate content.

“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs,” Albanese said during a joint announcement with Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday(July 30).

What platforms are affected?

The ban will apply to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, X, and now, YouTube, which was originally slated for exemption.

How will age verification work?

That remains one of the most contentious aspects of the law. Under the legislation, platforms may request users provide a government-issued ID, but cannot require it as the only form of age verification. Instead, they must implement “reasonable alternatives.”

Trials of AI-driven age estimation tools, such as facial scans and voice analysis, have shown inconsistent results. In some government tests, 15-year-olds were mistakenly classified as adults in their 30s.

The final report on age-checking technology is expected later this year and will guide compliance benchmarks.

Enforcement and penalties

Platforms that fail to comply may face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD ~$33 million). The burden of enforcement lies with social media companies, not users or families. Children who bypass restrictions will not be penalized. Existing underage accounts must also be deactivated.

What’s not included?

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and educational platforms like Google Classroom are excluded. The government also clarified that online games are not covered under the new rules, citing fewer social harms compared to social media.