The Albanese Government is adding YouTube to its world-first under-16 social media laws, aiming to better protect Aussie kids and families online.
Delaying access to social media via restrictions, including YouTube, until the age of 16 will protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development, giving them three more years to build real world connections and online resilience.
Following extensive consultation and advice, age-restricted social media platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for failing to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services.
“Our Government is making it clear – we stand on the side of families,” says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms so I’m calling time on it.”
“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.”
Restrictions on social media platforms will include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, amongst other platforms.
Informed by advice from the eSafety Commissioner, the Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025 tabled today specify which types of online services will not be captured by the social media legislation, including online gaming, messaging apps, health and education services.
Read more: Nearly 9 in 10 Australians support age assurance to protect kids online
These types of online services have been excluded from the new minimum age obligations because they pose fewer social media harms to under 16s, or are regulated under different laws.
From 10 December 2025, all services that meet the definition of ‘age-restricted social media platform’ in the Act, and are not excluded in the rules, will be subject to the social media minimum age law.
“The Albanese Government is giving kids a reprieve from the persuasive and pervasive pull of social media while giving parents peace of mind,” added Minister for Communications Anika Wells.
“We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are.”
“There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online – but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing.”
“The rules are not a set and forget, they are a set and support.”
“There are heavy penalties for companies who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services of up to $49.5 million.”
Age restricted social media accounts are defined as services that allow users to interact and post material.
The Government is proud to be on the side of families.
“There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
