YouTube will be included in Australia's world-first social media ban for
children under 16, after the government ditched a previous exemption for
the platform.
The video sharing site was set to be excluded from the ban, which will limit
TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and Snapchat and is due to start in
December.
Under the ban, teenagers will still be able to view YouTube videos but will
not be permitted to have an account, which is required for uploading
content or interacting on the platform.
YouTube on Wednesday argued it should not be blocked for children as
the platform offers benefit and value to younger Australians.
Australia's laws are being watched with great interest by global leaders,
with Norway announcing a similar ban and the UK saying it is considering
following suit.
