Australia’s internet safety watchdog and YouTube are locked in a heated dispute over the government’s proposed exemption of the video-sharing platform from a landmark social media law aimed at shielding children under 16.
The law, set for rollout in December, would make Australia the first country to fine social media firms that fail to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. While the government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had planned to exempt YouTube due to its perceived educational and health-related content, critics argue that such a move would undermine the legislation’s intent.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who has championed child online safety, has written to the government insisting there should be no exceptions. Addressing the National Press Club, she revealed that YouTube was the leading platform for harmful content exposure among children aged 10 to 15, with 37% reporting such encounters.
She further criticised YouTube’s use of “persuasive design features” like algorithm-driven recommendations that keep users glued to the platform and lead young viewers down harmful rabbit holes. YouTube, however, hit back via a blog post, accusing the eSafety Commissioner of issuing contradictory guidance and disregarding government-backed data.
The company cited research showing 69% of Australian parents believe the platform is appropriate for children under 15. Rachel Lord, YouTube’s public policy manager for Australia and New Zealand, insisted the Commissioner had ignored clear support from parents, teachers, and even the government itself, all of whom view YouTube as safer than other platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Inman Grant, responding to YouTube’s claims, maintained that the safety of children was paramount and should override political considerations or public opinion. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the minister was carefully reviewing the regulator’s advice. Wells reaffirmed that the government’s priority is ensuring the finalised rules align with the Act’s central objective: protecting children from the risks of social media use.