YouTube to Adhere to Australia’s Teen Social Media Restrictions
Sydney, Australia – YouTube has announced it will comply with impending Australian legislation designed to restrict social media access for users under the age of 16, requiring parental consent for accounts created by children and teenagers. The move comes as Australia prepares to implement sweeping online safety measures aimed at protecting young people from harmful content and cyberbullying.
The new regulations,set to take effect later this year,will considerably alter how platforms like YouTube operate within the country. The legislation mandates that social media companies verify the ages of Australian users and obtain parental or guardian consent before collecting and using their personal details.Failure to comply could result in significant fines – up to AUD $2.75 million (approximately USD $1.8 million) per service, or 5% of global turnover, whichever is higher.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has been a driving force behind the legislation, citing growing concerns about the negative impacts of social media on youth mental health and wellbeing. “These platforms have a obligation to protect children,” Grant stated previously. “This legislation ensures they do just that.”
YouTube confirmed its commitment to the new rules in a statement, outlining plans to implement age verification systems and consent mechanisms. The company did not detail the specific technologies it will employ, but indicated it is indeed exploring various options, including third-party age verification services.
The legislation impacts a substantial portion of Australia’s population. According to Statista, approximately 78% of Australians aged 13-17 use YouTube, making it one of the most popular social media platforms among this demographic. The changes will require parents to actively participate in their children’s online experiences, potentially shifting the dynamics of digital access and usage within families.
Beyond YouTube, other major social media platforms, including Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok, are also preparing to adapt to the new Australian regulations. The legislation is being closely watched internationally, as other countries grapple with similar concerns about online child safety and consider implementing comparable measures.
