• Australia’s YouTube ban now includes YT after government removes exemption, targeting accounts not access for under-16s.
• YouTube simultaneously announces an AI-powered age detection system launching August 13 in the US to identify viewers under 18

Australia’s social media legislation has changed with the inclusion of YouTube in the country’s list of proscribed entities subject to the under-16 ban, marking an expansion of what will become the world’s first comprehensive social media restriction for minors.

The Australia YouTube ban represents a policy shift, after the government initially exempted the Google-owned platform from restrictions that already include TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the policy reversal on Wednesday, emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting young Australians from digital harm. “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs,” Albanese said. “There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online – but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing.”

The decision to include YouTube in the ban came after Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended the platform’s inclusion last month, citing it as “the most frequently []mentioned] platform” where children aged 10 to 15 years encountered harmful content.

The recommendation is despite YouTube’s assertions that it shouldn’t be classified as social media, with the company stating in a statement on Wednesday that the platform “offers benefit and value to younger Australians.”

Under the expanded legislation, the Australian YouTube ban will prevent teenagers from creating accounts, required for uploading content or interacting through comments. However, young users will retain the ability to view videos without accounts, maintaining access to educational and entertainment content while limiting their exposure to potentially harmful interactive features.

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the government’s approach, stating: “There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.” She described trying to protect children from the harms of the internet as “like trying to teach your kids to swim in the open ocean with the rips and the sharks compared to at the local council pool.”

The minister’s comments came in response to reports that Google had threatened legal action if YouTube was included in the ban, arguing such restrictions would limit political freedom. Wells dismissed these concerns, stating: “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 well-being of Australian kids.”

The comprehensive nature of Australia’s approach extends beyond access restrictions. Tech companies face substantial penalties of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance with the age restrictions. The legislation requires platforms to deactivate existing accounts for under-16 users, prevent new account creation, and work actively to stop workarounds and correct implementation errors.

Exclusions to the ban remain in place for “online gaming, messaging apps, health and education services” as they “pose fewer social media harms to under 16s,” according to the official rules. The legislation will begin implementation on December 10, 2025. It is attracting international attention, with Norway announcing similar measures and the UK considering following Australia’s lead.

Australia’s legislative approach contrasts with developments in other markets, where platforms are implementing or starting to enforce their own age verification measures. While Australia mandates restrictions through legislation, the United States is witnessing voluntary platform initiatives to address similar concerns about youth safety online.

In a notable parallel development, YouTube announced this week that it will deploy artificial intelligence technology to identify US viewers under 18, beginning August 13, 2025. The AI-powered “age estimation model” will analyse user behaviour, including video search patterns, viewing categories, and account longevity to determine whether users are likely under 18 years old.

Google says YouTube’s AI system will “interpret a variety of signals that help us to determine whether a user is over or under 18,” including “the types of videos a user is searching for, the categories of videos they have watched, or the longevity of the account.” When the system identifies teen users, it will automatically apply age-appropriate protections, including disabling personalised advertising and implementing digital wellbeing tools.

If the system incorrectly identifies adult users as minors, they can verify their age using “a credit card, government ID, or selfie.” Only verified adult users will be able to access age-restricted content on the platform.

The timing of parallel developments in Australia and the United States highlights the growing global focus on protecting young people from potential digital harms.

YouTube’s response to the Australian legislation remains measured, with a spokesperson stating the company will “consider next steps” and “continue to engage” with the government. The diplomatic approach suggests ongoing negotiations as the December implementation date approaches.

The global implications of Australia’s legislation extend beyond its borders, as governments worldwide observe the practical implementation challenges and effectiveness of such comprehensive age restrictions. The success or failure of the YouTube ban in Australia could influence similar legislative efforts internationally, making Australia an important test case for the future of youth protection in digital spaces.

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