Australia YouTube Ban Under 16: What You Need to Know
Starting 10 December 2025, the Australian government will officially implement a strict YouTube ban for kids under 16, as part of a major expansion of its Online Safety Act update. This move will prevent users below 16 years of age from creating or holding accounts on YouTube, aligning it with other major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, which were already included in the social media platform ban under 16 Australia.
Initially, YouTube was exempted from the social media age restriction law passed in 2024, due to its educational value and wide use in schools. However, in mid-2025, the eSafety Commissioner released new data showing that YouTube is the most-used platform among teens aged 13 to 15 in Australia, with 73% regular usage. Alarmingly, it also ranked highest for harmful content exposure, including videos promoting self-harm, cyberbullying, misogyny, and disordered eating. Based on this report, the government decided to remove YouTube’s exemption and enforce the YouTube minimum age rule Australia.
Under this new law, users under 16 will not be allowed to log in, upload content, comment, like videos, or create playlists. However, they will still be able to watch public videos without logging in. The rule doesn’t apply to YouTube Kids, which is designed specifically for children and includes strict parental controls and no social interaction features.
Here are the key highlights of the new social media law Australia 2025:
- YouTube accounts will be restricted to users aged 16 and above
- Platforms must implement strict age verification measures, including ID verification or AI-based facial age estimation
- Companies found violating the rule may face fines up to A$49.5 million
- YouTube Kids remains available for children under 16
- Rollout begins on 10 December 2025
This decision has sparked mixed reactions. Government officials including PM Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells support the move, stating it’s necessary to ensure online safety and reduce the mental health risks caused by social media. They argue that all platforms must comply equally with child safety online policies in Australia. On the other hand, tech companies like Google (which owns YouTube) have criticized the decision. YouTube claims it is primarily a video-sharing platform, not social media, and hinted at a potential legal challenge. Industry competitors like Meta and TikTok welcomed the government’s move, stating that the previous YouTube exemption was unfair.
The law has also raised concerns about how age verification for YouTube accounts in Australia will be implemented. Many fear that privacy might be compromised if strict ID or facial recognition checks become mandatory for everyone. The government has assured that data privacy will be respected and technologies will be trialed before full enforcement.
In conclusion, the Australia YouTube ban under 16 marks a major shift in global internet regulation, and it could inspire similar laws in other countries. As digital safety becomes a global priority, Australia is taking the lead by enforcing the under 16 no YouTube account law. Whether this becomes a model for the world or sparks legal battles, it clearly signals that governments are no longer willing to let tech companies set the rules for children online.