Video streaming giant YouTube has cautioned that Australia’s proposed ban on children under 16 from using social media, though “well intentioned,” will not effectively make them safer online.
The warning came as YouTube’s local representative, Rachel Lord, appeared before a Senate committee on Monday to discuss the landmark legislation unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year. The law, set to take effect by the end of 2025, will prohibit minors from accessing major social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, with companies facing fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for violations.
Lord argued that the proposal, while admirable in intent, is flawed in execution and may produce “unintended consequences.”
“The legislation will not only be extremely difficult to enforce, it also does not fulfil its promise of making kids safer online,” she said. “Well-crafted legislation can be an effective tool, but the solution to keeping kids safer online is not stopping them from being online.”
YouTube, which will also be affected by the ban, contends that it is not a social media platform and should therefore be excluded from the legislation’s scope.
Australia has positioned itself as a global leader in tackling online harm, but critics say the new law lacks clarity on enforcement mechanisms and could end up being largely symbolic. Industry experts and digital rights advocates have described the legislation as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
While the eSafety Commissioner will have authority to penalize non-compliant companies, the government has clarified that platforms will not be required to verify every user’s age. Instead, they must take “reasonable steps” to detect and deactivate underage accounts.
The debate underscores the growing tension between online safety regulation and practical enforcement, as Australia seeks to balance child protection with digital access and innovation.
