Australia includes YouTube in its under-16 social media ban after removing platform exemption. New rules target accounts while allowing video viewing for minors

Australia bans YouTube accounts for users under 16, citing child safety risks. New rules take effect in December 2025.

YouTube will be included in Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16, after the government ditched a previous exemption for the platform. The video sharing site was set to be excluded from the ban - which will limit TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and Snapchat and is due to start in December.