In December, Australia will begin restricting social media for users under 18: which includes platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, and Facebook. However, the real question is whether an Australian YouTube ban will be part of this.
That’s what regulators are grappling with as the enactment of this law continues to loom. At the time, YouTube wriggled out of it by arguing that it is “not a core social media application” and that its vast video library can be classed as educational.
Needless to say, the other apps weren’t happy about this. In a joint submission to the courts, Meta, TikTok, and Snap called the decision to exclude YouTube was “illogical.” Specifically, Meta argued that the decision not to include YouTube was “at odds” with the purpose of the law, while TikTok branded it a “sweetheart deal.”
Is It Fair Not To Include YouTube?
Clearly, this discourse resonated with some of the higher-ups. Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, stated that for the ban to be “fair, consistent, and proportional,” it should also encompass YouTube, given its popularity and the presence of purported extremist content on the platform.
For instance, Inman Grant claimed that troubling content on YouTube “ranges from misogynistic content to hateful material to violent fighting videos, online challenges, disordered eating, suicidal ideation.”
She then went on to express her shock at the fact that YouTube was exempt in the first place.
However, YouTube isn’t taking this lying down. In a statement, YouTube Public Policy and Government Relations Manager Rachel Lord said: “Today’s position from the eSafety Commissioner represents inconsistent and contradictory advice, having previously flagged concerns the ban ‘may limit young people’s access to critical support.’ eSafety’s advice ignores Australian families, teachers, broad community sentiment and the government’s own decision.”
With six months to go, there are plenty of twists and turns to come — but whether it includes YouTube or not, this law will no doubt change everything.
