YouTube has been added as a platform included in the upcoming ban on social media for under 16s.

HOW DOES THE BAN WORK?

* From December 10, children under the age of 16 will not be able to create a YouTube account.

* Parents will also be unable to give consent for their under children to create an account.

* YouTube joins TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, X and Reddit in the ban.

WHAT DOES YOUTUBE HAVE TO DO?

* YouTube will have to verify the age of account holders.

* If an under 16-year-old has an account, YouTube will be required to ban it.

* YouTube Kids will be exempt from the ban, as users cannot communicate to each other.

*The platform will face a $50 million fine if it doesn’t take “reasonable steps” to bar under 16s.

CAN CHILDREN STILL ACCESS CONTENT?

* Children can still access videos on YouTube but only when logged out of an account.

* The platform already stops users from watching restricted content who don’t have an account.

REACTIONS:

* “It’s not social media. The government’s announcement today reverses a clear, public commitment to exclude YouTube from this ban” – YouTube

* “We know that social media is doing social harm, and my government and this parliament is prepared to take action to protect young Australians. Social media companies have a social responsibility” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

* “We are placing families at the heart of our decision making. Today, we are prioritising parents ahead of platforms.” – Communications Minister Anika Wells

* “The Albanese Labor government can change a minister, but they cannot hide the fact they deliberately misled the public at the last election by promising to keep YouTube out of the social media age minimum.” Opposition communications spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh

* “It wasn’t the result of one voice, but the power of many united in purpose, driven by hope and committed to protecting our kids.” – Mia Bannister, parent whose child died by suicide after social media abuse.

* “Very young kids won’t be able to open an iPad and get this endless feed of information that we can’t control.” –  Swinburne University media expert Bellinda Barnet

Sebastian Tan
(Australian Associated Press)