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YouTube has warned that Australia’s plan to ban children from social media is “well intentioned” but unlikely to improve their safety online.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced laws last year to prohibit under-16s from using platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube by the end of 2025, with heavy fines for breaches.
Rachel Lord, YouTube’s local spokeswoman, told a Senate committee that while the legislation aims to protect children, it could create “unintended consequences” and would be very difficult to enforce.
She argued the law “does not fulfil its promise of making kids safer online.”
Lord suggested YouTube should be exempt, asserting that the platform is not a social media service.
She added that effective legislation should complement industry efforts rather than simply prevent children from going online.
Experts have raised concerns that the rules may be largely symbolic, noting vague guidance on enforcement.
The eSafety Commissioner may fine companies up to AUS$49.5 million (US$32 million) for non-compliance.
Last month, the government clarified that social media firms will not need to verify every user’s age but must take “reasonable steps” to identify and remove underage accounts.
