ISLAMABAD: Australia’s internet safety watchdog and YouTube are in open conflict as the country pushes ahead with a groundbreaking social media law aimed at banning users under 16.
The eSafety Commissioner has urged the government to drop plans for a YouTube exemption, arguing that the platform is no safer than its competitors for young users.
The law, set for rollout in December, would make Australia the first nation to fine social media companies for allowing underage users.
While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat will be required to comply, the government had proposed exempting YouTube due to its educational content.
Watchdog Warns of Harmful Content
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant challenged the exemption, citing data that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 had encountered harmful material on YouTube—more than on any other platform.
“This is not a fair fight,” Inman Grant said, accusing YouTube of leveraging powerful algorithms to keep children hooked and exposed to potentially dangerous content.
She criticized features like autoplay and recommendation feeds as “opaque algorithms driving users down rabbit holes they’re powerless to fight against.”
YouTube Pushes Back Against Claims
In a strong rebuttal, YouTube’s Public Policy Manager Rachel Lord said the Commissioner ignored research showing that 69% of Australian parents consider YouTube appropriate for children under 15.
She emphasized the platform’s role in education and said surveys of parents and teachers support its inclusion for young audiences.
The platform accused the Commissioner of issuing inconsistent advice and undermining the government’s stance.
Communications Minister Anika Wells is reviewing the Commissioner’s advice, saying her top priority remains ensuring that the law protects children effectively.
The outcome of this standoff could have global implications, with other nations closely watching Australia’s lead.
