NewzVille International
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday reassured parents as his government reversed its earlier decision to exempt YouTube from a landmark social media ban for teenagers. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, will now be included in the list of platforms restricted under the proposed legislation.
The reversal follows a recommendation by the country’s internet regulator last week, which urged the government to include YouTube, citing survey data that showed 37% of minors had encountered harmful content on the platform.
The updated draft legislation, including implementation details, is expected to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday. The ban is scheduled to take effect from December.
Initially, YouTube was to be exempt due to its frequent use in educational settings. However, the shift signals a firmer stance as Australia moves forward with its plan, announced last year, to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. The move could also prompt a legal challenge from affected platforms.
