YouTube is making a last-ditch effort to be excluded from an Australian government ban that would restrict access to tech platforms for users under 16. This proposed policy is nearing finalisation, with lawmakers scrutinising which platforms will be affected. YouTube, owned by Google, contends that it is primarily a video streaming service rather than a social media platform. However, Dr Belinda Barnet, a senior lecturer at Swinburne University, strongly disputes this assertion, likening YouTube’s algorithm-driven content feed to that of social media platforms like TikTok.
Dr Barnet highlights YouTube’s capability to cultivate a significant user base through metrics such as likes and subscribers, emphasising its similarity to social media in its competitive nature. She warns that the site’s “endless feed” feature can expose children to harmful content, making it difficult for parents to manage what their kids see while using the platform. Comparatively, educational consultant Michelle Michael suggests that a blanket ban on social media is unlikely to succeed. She argues that other interactive online environments, such as gaming platforms, pose similar risks to children as YouTube.
Both experts agree that the definition of social media is ambiguous, complicating any legislative efforts to restrict access effectively. Michael believes that the government should not assume responsibility for parenting, advocating instead for a shared approach to online safety that involves parents, educators, tech companies, and policymakers alike.
Opponents of the ban assert that YouTube could lead to excessive screen time and is not stringent enough in filtering out inappropriate content. Nonetheless, supporters of YouTube’s exclusion claim that its educational value differentiates it from other platforms. Dr Barnet notes that simply regulating access for those under 16 would not mean a complete ban, but instead would require supervision to use the platform responsibly.
Research from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner revealed that YouTube is the most popular social media platform among children, with significant usage rates among 10 to 15-year-olds. In light of this, Google plans to lobby the government more vigorously, arguing that banning access could limit political engagement for young users and infringe on their rights to participate in civic discourse.
A YouTube spokesperson lamented a potential “abrupt policy reversal” by the government, underscoring previous assurances that YouTube would be treated differently due to its distinct nature and societal benefits for younger Australians. They stress the importance of maintaining safeguards for minors while navigating the complexities of digital interaction. As Google prepares to engage with decision-makers at Parliament, the outcome remains uncertain, yet the risks associated with unregulated access to platforms like YouTube continue to fuel the debate.