Australia plans to ban children under 16 from using video hosting service YouTube to protect them from “predatory algorithms” that can distort identities. This was announced by the Minister of Communications of Australia Anika Wells, transmits BBC.
Initially, when the government announced plans to age-restrict social networks such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram in 2024, YouTube was not on the list because it is heavily used in educational institutions. However, the platform will now also be subject to new restrictions.
The company YouTube expressed surprise at this initiative, emphasizing that the service is a platform for hosting video content, and not a social network.
“Social media is causing social harm to our children and I want Australian parents to know that we stand by them”, – said the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, commenting on the innovation.
In June, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recommended YouTube be added to the list of age-restricted platforms, saying it was the “most cited platform” where 10- to 15-year-olds were exposed to “harmful content”.
Communications Minister Annika Wells stressed that social media has a right to exist, but “there is no place for predatory algorithms targeting children”. She also drew a stark comparison: trying to protect children online is like learning to swim in an open ocean with waves and sharks, as opposed to a safe pool.
“We can’t control the ocean, but we can control the sharks, and that’s why we won’t be intimidated by legal threats when the real fight is for the well-being of Australia’s children.” – emphasized Anika Wells.
