The federal government has warned social media giants it will not be “intimidated” by legal threats after announcing the final list of platforms captured in its landmark under-16 social media ban.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday confirmed YouTube will not be exempt from a national social media ban, naming the Google-owned brand alongside other age-restricted platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X.
The PM said today YouTube is an important inclusion and explained that some platforms, including online gaming and messaging apps, are exempt because they pose fewer harms to young people.
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“We want Australian parents and families to know that we have got your back. We know this is not the only solution and there’s more to do. But it will make a difference,” Albanese said.
“We know as well that there are those who will say ‘young people will find their way around it’.
“That’s not a reason to stop the other laws that we put in place about alcohol consumption, or about purchasing of tobacco, or other areas where governments act to identify clearly what are the communities’ expectations.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government would not back down over legal threats sent from tech companies.
Google previously threatened to sue the Australian government if YouTube was roped into the ban.
“We can’t control the ocean but we can police the sharks and that is why we will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids,” Wells said.
“There is no perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safe online.
“But the social media minimum age laws will make a meaningful difference.”
Wells also issued a direct message to the children of Australia.
“Kids who are watching on the news tonight, these laws are coming,” she said.
“Your parents are telling the truth, we are banning social media.”
Social media platforms listed in the legislation will be subject to the ban from December 10.
The social media giants face fines of up to $49.5 million if they “fail to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services”.
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In a statement to 9news.com.au, a YouTube spokesperson said the platform would consider the next steps.
“We share the government’s goal of addressing and reducing online harms. Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media,” the spokesperson said.
“The government’s announcement today reverses a clear, public commitment to exclude YouTube from this ban.
“We will consider next steps and will continue to engage with the government.”
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