Why is Australia Moving to Ban Kids Under 16 from YouTube?

Australia is planning to ban children under 16 from accessing YouTube, expanding its upcoming social media restrictions to include the popular video platform.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the move aims to protect kids from “predatory algorithms” that shape their identities before they develop self-awareness.

The government previously suggested YouTube would be exempt due to its classroom use, but reversed course this week.

YouTube has pushed back, arguing it is not a social media site but a video-sharing platform often watched on TVs.