Australian regulator clashes with YouTube over first-ever teen social media ban exemption
Australia's internet watchdog and Google-owned
YouTube
engaged in a spat, after the regulator urged the government to reverse its planned exemption for the video-sharing platform from a world-first ban on social media for teens. Australia aims to be the first country to fine social media companies that fail to block users under the age of 16.
Where does the issue between Australia-YouTube stems from
The government, led by Anthony Albanese, had previously indicated it would grant YouTube a waiver, citing the platform's utility for educational and health content. Other social media giants, including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, have argued that such an exemption would create an unfair playing field.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed she wrote to the government last week, advocating for no exemptions when the law takes effect. She highlighted the regulator's research, which found that 37% of children aged 10 to 15 reported encountering harmful content on YouTube – the highest percentage among all social media sites surveyed.
'This is not a fair fight where our kids are concerned, vis-a-vis social media sites,' Inman Grant said. She contended that social media companies employ 'persuasive design features" like recommendation-based algorithms and notifications to maximise user engagement.
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Inman Grant specifically accused YouTube of having 'mastered those, opaque algorithms driving users down rabbit holes they're powerless to fight against.'
Google says advice 'inconsistent and contradictory'
In a swift rebuttal via a blog post, YouTube accused Inman Grant of providing "inconsistent and contradictory advice." Rachel Lord, YouTube's public policy manager for Australia and New Zealand, asserted that the Commissioner "chose to ignore this data, the decision of the Australian Government and other clear evidence from teachers and parents that YouTube is suitable for younger users," referencing government research that found 69% of parents considered the platform suitable for those under 15.
When questioned about surveys supporting a YouTube exemption, Inman Grant firmly stated her priority: "about the safety of children and that's always going to surpass any concerns I have about politics or being liked or bringing the public onside."
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