Background and Relevance
In a groundbreaking move, the Australian government has added YouTube to its list of prohibited social media platforms for teenagers, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the video-sharing platform. This action marks Australia’s first global restriction on social media for adolescents.
The move comes after the Australian Internet Safety Regulator urged the government to reconsider its proposal to exempt YouTube, following research revealing that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 reported exposure to harmful content on the platform. This figure surpasses all other social media platforms.
Key Players and Their Stances
Other social media companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, had previously argued against exempting YouTube, asserting that it would be unfair.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the social responsibility of these platforms and acknowledged the negative impact on Australian children:
“Social media has a social responsibility, and there’s no doubt that Australian children are being negatively affected by online platforms. I want parents to know that we have their backs.”
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Starting December, social media companies will face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32.2 million) for violating the law, which was approved by Parliament in November.
YouTube’s Response
A YouTube spokesperson stated that the company will review the next steps and continue collaborating with the government. They emphasized their stance that YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not a social network:
“We share the government’s goal of addressing and reducing online harms. Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video-sharing platform with a vast library of high-quality, free content increasingly watched on TV screens. It is not a social network.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main decision? The Australian government has included YouTube in its ban on social media for teenagers.
- Why was this decision made? Following research indicating that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 were exposed to harmful content on YouTube, surpassing other social media platforms.
- What are the penalties for non-compliance? Social media companies will face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32.2 million) for violating the new law.
- How has YouTube responded? YouTube stated they will review the situation and continue collaborating with the government, maintaining that it is a video-sharing platform, not a social network.
