Australia’s social media ban faces major loophole
Australia to implement a strict ban on social media

Australia's new laws banning social media for children under 16 made an exemption for YouTube, but experts warn the platform exposes kids to addictive and harmful content.
Australia plans to block TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X for minors by 2025, enforcing strict age restrictions and fines for violations.
Meanwhile, the government has planned to keep YouTube accessible for all ages, recognizing its educational value over being a "core social media application."
The long format video streaming service was initially part of the ban, but after consulting with company leaders and children's creators, the government decided to make an exception.
Michelle Rowland's spokesperson highlighted that YouTube plays a crucial role in education and information, not just entertainment, for children, parents, and schools, explaining, "While YouTube undoubtedly functions as a source of entertainment and leisure, it is an important source of education and informational content, relied on by children, parents and carers, and educational institutions," adding that the exemption aligns with public opinion that YouTube isn’t a core social media app.
The new law passed in November introduces some of the strictest social media rules in the world.