The online regulatory body in Australia is urging the government to reconsider its controversial decision that exempts YouTube from a social media ban for individuals under 16. This call for review comes amid similar requests from competing platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.
On Tuesday, the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, expressed her desire for the legislation to be “fair, consistent, and proportional.” During a national radio appearance, she highlighted new research indicating that YouTube, owned by Google, stands out as the most frequently used social media service among young Australians and is a significant source of online risks.
Inman Grant pointed out the various types of harmful content prevalent on the platform, mentioning, “This ranges from misogynistic content to hateful material to violent fighting videos, online challenges, disordered eating, suicidal ideation.” She also remarked on her expectation that YouTube would not be granted an exemption in the first place.
“I was surprised, but my job isn’t to endorse the legislation; it’s to enforce the rules,” she stated.
The law, which was enacted late last year, is slated to take effect by the end of 2025.
Frustration from competitors such as Snap and Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has been growing due to YouTube’s preferential treatment. Their concerns intensified upon learning of a personal commitment made by the government to YouTube’s leadership, which occurred even before a public consultation process regarding the exemption was initiated.
In response to Inman Grant’s comments, YouTube released a blog post asserting that she overlooked the positive contributions the platform makes to students and educators. The company urged the government to adhere to its public commitment, ensuring that young Australians retain access to valuable educational content on YouTube.
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