Australia’s internet watchdog and YouTube traded jabs on Tuesday after the regulator called on the government to scrap a proposed exemption for the Alphabet-owned platform from a groundbreaking teen social media ban.
The dispute casts doubt over the planned December rollout of a landmark law that could see Australia become the first country to fine social media companies for failing to block users under 16 — a move closely watched by global governments and tech executives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labour government had previously signaled it would exempt YouTube, citing the platform’s educational and health-related content.
But rival platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as Snapchat and TikTok, have pushed back, calling the exemption unfair.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she had written to the government last week, urging that no exemptions be granted when the law takes effect.
She cited regulator data showing that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 reported encountering harmful content on YouTube — more than on any other social media platform.
“This is not a fair fight where our kids are concerned, vis-a-vis social media sites,” Grant told the National Press Club in Sydney.
She stated that social media platforms use persuasive design tools, including algorithm-driven recommendations and frequent notifications, to keep users engaged, spending more time online and “YouTube has mastered those, opaque algorithms driving users down rabbit holes they’re powerless to fight against”.
YouTube, in a blog post, accused Inman Grant of providing inconsistent and contradictory advice that overlooked government research showing 69% of parents considered the platform appropriate for children under 15.
“The eSafety commissioner chose to ignore this data, the decision of the Australian Government and other clear evidence from teachers and parents that YouTube is suitable for younger users,” wrote Rachel Lord, YouTube’s public policy manager for Australia and New Zealand.
In response to questions about surveys backing a YouTube exemption, Grant said her main concern is “about the safety of children and that’s always going to surpass any concerns I have about politics or being liked or bringing the public onside”.
