YouTube Pushes Back as Australia Considers Banning Minors from Accessing It

YouTube is speaking out against a push to include it in Australia’s new rule that would stop kids under 16 from using social media. The platform says it should not be grouped with apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, which are set to face strict age limits starting December 2025.

The idea for this age rule is coming from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. She believes YouTube should be included in the rule to help keep kids safe online. But YouTube says this move goes against what most parents, teachers, and even the government wants. They believe YouTube is different because it’s mostly about watching videos, not chatting or messaging like on other social media apps.

Julie Inman Grant says the new rule is not really a “ban” but more of a “delay” in letting kids join social media until they are older. She believes this will give children more time to grow before being exposed to online dangers. The plan includes using tools like facial recognition and other AI technology to check people’s ages. However, many companies worry that they won’t be ready in time and say they still don’t know exactly what will be required.

YouTube says it has already done a lot to protect young users. It offers age-appropriate products and has removed over 192,000 videos that broke its hate and abuse policies in just the first part of 2025. YouTube says it has never changed its policies to harm younger users, and it helps many children learn and access helpful content.

In the past, the government promised that YouTube, Google Classroom, and other helpful websites would not be included in the ban. But now, the new communications minister Anika Wells is deciding whether to change that promise after hearing from the eSafety Commissioner.

Some government leaders are asking for more clarity. Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh says families need to know exactly what’s happening. She wants to know which platforms will be included, how age-checking will work, and what steps companies must take before the rule begins.

The eSafety Commissioner says this new law is not perfect, but it’s a good step. She says it’s time for big tech companies to take more responsibility, just like companies in other industries.

As the deadline approaches, the final decision lies with the government. For now, YouTube is standing firm, asking to stay out of the ban and continue offering videos to young viewers.

Other video-sharing platforms like Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) are likely to follow how the pushback by YouTube against being restricted in Australia for users below 16 years of age pans out since it could signal what is to come for other platforms in various jurisdictions around the world.

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