Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has urged the government to revoke YouTube’s exemption from an upcoming world-first ban on social media for users under 16, setting the stage for a heated battle between regulators and the tech giant. The law, set to take effect in December, would impose heavy fines on platforms that fail to block underage users—but YouTube was initially granted a waiver due to its educational and health content.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant argued that YouTube should not be exempt, citing research showing 37% of children aged 10-15 encounter harmful content on the platform—the highest rate among social media sites. She accused YouTube of using “persuasive design” tactics, such as recommendation algorithms, to keep young users engaged in potentially harmful content. “This is not a fair fight for our kids,” she declared.
YouTube fired back, claiming the regulator ignored government data showing 69% of parents consider the platform suitable for teens. Rachel Lord, YouTube’s policy lead for Australia, called the eSafety Commissioner’s stance “inconsistent and contradictory”, arguing that teachers and parents widely support YouTube’s educational value.
The dispute highlights the global challenge of regulating Big Tech while balancing free access to information. With Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Snapchat, and TikTok also opposing YouTube’s exemption, Australia’s decision could set a precedent for how governments enforce age restrictions on social media. Communications Minister Anika Wells is now reviewing the proposal, emphasizing that child safety remains the top priority. The outcome could reshape how platforms operate worldwide—forcing them to choose between compliance and resistance.