Sydney, Australia – Australian Government Unwavering on YouTube Inclusion in Social Media Ban Despite Google’s Threat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed Google’s warning of a potential lawsuit, should YouTube be included in Australia’s social media ban for children under 16, scheduled to take effect in December.
Google expressed its concerns in a letter to Communications Minister Anika Wells, arguing that the ban could infringe on the implied constitutional freedom of political communication.
YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, claimed it is a video-sharing platform that provides benefits and value to younger Australians.
However, e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has recommended reevaluating YouTube’s exemption, citing research that shows children are exposed to harmful content on the platform more than any other.
According to Inman Grant, the new law will only restrict children under 16 from creating their own accounts, not accessing content on YouTube through links from school or in a logged-out state.
Albanese remains resolute, stating that the government will make its assessments independently of threats from social media companies.
He emphasized social media’s social responsibility, citing the negative impact of social media on young people’s mental health.
A recent YouGov poll showed widespread support for the ban.
In a related development, an age-verification trial found that technologies can block young children from social media platforms, but with loopholes.
Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts will face penalties of up to `50 million`.
The public is urged to stay informed about the latest developments on this issue.