Australia is set to ban individuals under the age of 16 from creating YouTube accounts, a move that aligns with its growing efforts to protect children online. This new policy, effective from December, follows existing restrictions on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter). The decision, recommended by the eSafety Commissioner, recognizes the risks associated with YouTube, which, despite being a video platform, exposes children to potentially harmful content and other dangers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and mental health of young Australians in the digital age. A significant number of children in Australia regularly use YouTube, making it even more popular than platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Concerns have been raised over the harmful content encountered by children on the platform. Under the new regulations, those under 16 will still be able to watch videos, but they will be denied access to features like commenting, content creation, and personalized recommendations.
