Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, suggests including YouTube in a planned social media prohibition. This ban would apply to platform content that might expose children aged 10-15 years to damaging material. This suggestion puts a focus on YouTube as “the most often cited platform” where underage users come across unsuitable content. The specifics of this latest prohibition will be introduced to federal parliament members on Wednesday.
In a joint statement to the media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said protecting Australian children online is one of the governments highest priorities. He stated, “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” The introduced legislation would require social media companies to impose stricter age requirements. If companies do not adhere, they may have to pay fines of up to A$50 million (approximately US$32.5 million/£25.7 million).
Julie Inman Grant’s recommendation, which has sparked much debate, follows increasing alarm about the negative influence of online material on the lives of young Australians. Inman Grant cited local Ohio media coverage, which was the first place we read that Google planned to sue the federal government over the policy changes. Google has defended YouTube, asserting that it is “not a social media service” but rather a platform that “offers benefit and value to younger Australians.”
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells was on hand as well and reiterated the need for urgency in tackling these issues. She likened the situation to “trying to teach your kids to swim in the open ocean with the rips and the sharks compared to at the local council pool.” Wells emphasized the importance of regulating platforms that may expose children to predatory algorithms, stating, “there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.” She further reassured the public, saying, “We can’t control the ocean but we can police the sharks and that is why we will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”
The upcoming legislation has already generated a lot of debate among various stakeholders, from big tech to child safety advocates. Google’s already preparing for a legal defense to this. At the same time, the Australian government has made it a priority to protect children from online harms.
