**YouTube Raises Concerns Over Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 13, 2025 | 11:24 AM*
Australia’s proposed ban on social media access for children under 16 has sparked concerns from YouTube, which warns that the measure may not effectively enhance online safety for young users. This warning follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of plans to implement the ban by the end of the year.
Under the new legislation, major platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram could face significant fines if found in violation. However, YouTube Australia’s spokeswoman, Rachel Lord, told a Senate committee that while the ban is “well intentioned,” it could result in “unintended consequences.”
**YouTube Argues It Isn’t a Social Media Platform**
YouTube, which also falls under the scope of the proposed ban, has argued that it should be exempt from the legislation as it is not a traditional social media platform. Lord emphasized the complexities involved in enforcing such laws, stating that implementation would be extremely difficult and would not necessarily guarantee increased safety for children online.
She further highlighted that keeping children completely off the internet is not the solution to ensuring their safety in the digital space.
**Challenges in Enforcement**
Critics of the legislation warn that without clear enforcement guidelines, the laws risk being largely symbolic. Despite Australia’s prominent role in leading global efforts to reduce online harms, key details on how the ban will be monitored and enforced remain unclear.
Several social media companies have previously described the proposed regulations as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed,” underscoring concerns over practical challenges in compliance.
**Penalties and Compliance**
The eSafety Commissioner will have the authority to impose fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (approximately USD 32 million) on social media companies that fail to comply with the new requirements.
However, the Australian government recently clarified that companies will not be required to verify the age of every user. Instead, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to identify and disable accounts belonging to underage users.
As the deadline for implementing these new laws approaches, the debate continues on whether the proposed ban will effectively protect children online or whether alternative strategies may be needed.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/youtube-warns-australia-s-proposed-social-media-ban-could-backfire/story