Australia includes YouTube in its under-16 social media ban after removing platform exemption. New rules target accounts while allowing video viewing for minors

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.

Australia bans YouTube accounts for users under 16, citing child safety risks. New rules take effect in December 2025.