Prime Minister Albanese stressed that the goal is to protect children from the negative impact of online space.
The Australian government will include the YouTube website on the list of social networks forbidden for children under the age of 16. It reversed her previous decision to give youtub an exception. According to Reuters, TASR writes about it.
In June, the Australian Internet regulator called on the government to cancel the proposed exemption for YouTube. He did so with a dismissal of their survey, in which 37 percent of children aged 10 to 15 said they saw malicious content on this platform, the most of all social networks. Meta, Snapchat and Tictik were also opposed to the exception for YouTube, according to which it would be unfair.
The Prime Minister defends the ban
“Social networks have social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian children are negatively influenced by online platforms. I end it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “They cause social harm to our children and I want Australian parents to know that we are covering their backs,” he said.
The Social Network Prohibition Act approved the Australian Parliament last November last year. On the basis of it, social networks such as Facebook, Instagram or X will be forced to take measures to ensure verification of the age of their users. Systemic violations would be subject to fines of up to $ 49.5 million (€ 27.9 million) for companies operating social networks.
YouTube reaction
Youtube spokesman said the company will consider further steps and will continue to cooperate with the government. “We identify with the aim of addressing and reducing harm that may occur in the online space. Our attitude remains clear: YouTube is a platform for sharing videos with a free, high -quality content library that is increasingly watched on television screens.
