YouTube opposes proposal to ban under-16s from using platform in Australia

Wave of controversy over age restrictions and YouTube's role
YouTube has issued a strong rebuttal after Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant called on the government to reconsider its decision to exempt the platform from a “delay” on social media use for under-16s.

Previously, YouTube was among the platforms exempted from the restriction, along with Google Classroom and mental health support services such as ReachOut and Kids Helpline.

Speaking at the National Press Club, Inman Grant said age restrictions were needed to reduce the risks of technology for young people, stressing that it was a "delay" rather than a "ban".

She proposed using a range of age verification tools, including artificial intelligence such as facial or hand analysis, but details of how they would be implemented have yet to be released, despite a mid-December deadline.

Several other social media platforms have also expressed concerns about the feasibility and legality of having to implement a separate age verification system on each platform, instead of applying it at the device or app store level.

While acknowledging that no technology is perfect, Inman Grant said age verification is a step in the right direction to “shift the burden” from parents to tech companies, similar to how other industries are responsible for protecting consumers.

YouTube affirms itseducational role and refuses to be lumped together with social networks
In response, YouTube representative Rachel Lord, Director of Public Policy, said that putting YouTube on the restricted list was "conflicting advice", when eSafety had previously warned that the ban could cause children to lose access to important support resources.

“YouTube is not a social media platform, it is a video content distribution service,” she asserted.

YouTube said it has been proactively developing kid-friendly products and implementing strict measures to protect young users, including removing more than 192,000 policy-violating videos in the first quarter of 2025.

“We have been at the forefront of developing safeguarding tools and no change in policy has had a negative impact on children,” said Ms Lord. “The proposed change to the exemption goes against the government’s psychological research, stakeholders and established political decision.”

Opposition MP Melissa McIntosh said the government needed to clarify the relevant regulations soon, including: which platforms would be restricted, what verification technology would be required and the criteria for determining the level of compliance of businesses.

“There are so many unanswered questions right now. Families and foundations need clear guidance, especially as the deadline approaches,” she said.

While awaiting a final decision from Communications Minister Anika Wells, debate over the line between child protection and access to information and education continues to heat up technology and social forums in Australia.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/youtube-phan-doi-de-xuat-cam-tre-duoi-16-tuoi-su-dung-nen-tang-tai-australia-146286.html