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

YouTube opposes proposal to ban children under 16 from using the platform in Australia - photo 1 — YouTube opposes proposal to ban children under 16 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 people under 16.

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

Speaking at the National Press Club, Ms Inman Grant insisted that age restrictions were necessary to reduce the risks posed by technology to 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 announced despite the deadline being mid-December.

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 universally at the device or app store level.

While acknowledging that no technology is perfect, Ms. 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 its educational role and refuses to be lumped with social networks
In response, YouTube representative – Ms. Rachel Lord, Director of Public Policy – said that putting YouTube on the restricted list was "a contradictory advice", when previously eSafety itself 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 proactively developed kid-friendly products and implemented 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 negatively impacted children,” Ms Lord said. “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 to determine 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