"Can Expose Users to Harmful Content"
YouTube: "84% of Teen Users Use the Platform for Learning"
As Australia announced that it will legally ban the use of social networking services (SNS) for those under the age of 16 starting at the end of this year, the country’s online safety regulatory agency has clarified that YouTube will not be exempt from this measure.
On the 25th (local time), The Guardian reported that this is because "video streaming platforms can expose children to harmful content."
In November of last year, the Australian parliament passed a bill imposing fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately 45.1 billion won) on platforms such as Facebook and TikTok if users under 16 create accounts. This law is the first in the world to completely ban minors from using social media, regardless of parental consent.
At the time, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated that the government would exempt YouTube, which sparked controversy. The rationale was that YouTube contains educational and health-related content necessary for teenagers. The Guardian reported that YouTube CEO Neal Mohan sent an email to the minister in April, arguing that "YouTube is different from other social media platforms for children," and that the exemption was granted less than 48 hours after this email was sent.
However, Inman Grant, Commissioner of Australia’s online safety regulatory agency, cited research showing that increased time spent watching YouTube is associated with worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Referring to a survey of Australian youth, she noted, "76% of adolescents aged 10 to 15 have used YouTube," and "37% of children who encountered harmful content online did so on YouTube." She further stated, "YouTube employs designs and features that can be detrimental to health," and "these include features that can lead to unwanted or excessive use, such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendations." She emphasized that these characteristics encourage excessive consumption without breaks and can amplify exposure to harmful content. She concluded, "There is insufficient evidence that YouTube provides beneficial experiences for those under 16."
Nevertheless, YouTube maintains that the government should adhere to the draft rules allowing an exemption for the platform. Citing a survey conducted in August among Australian teachers, YouTube stated, "84% of adolescent users use YouTube at least once a month for learning purposes." The company also argued that there are platform features preventing users below a certain age from uploading content or posting comments. YouTube further pointed out, "It appears that the government is considering changing its stance on the exemption due to competitors’ tactics."
The Australian authorities are currently preparing specific regulations, including the scope of the ban, ahead of the law’s implementation in December. As reports suggest YouTube may be excluded from the ban, competing companies have strongly objected, calling it "unfair preferential treatment." According to Bloomberg and other outlets in March, Meta urged the government "to ensure the law is applied equally to all SNS platforms." In its statement, Snap argued, "Any (ban) exemption must be applied fairly and equitably, and all services should be held to the same standard." TikTok criticized the exemption by saying, "It is like banning the sale of soft drinks to minors but excluding Coca-Cola," calling it "illogical, anti-competitive, and short-sighted."
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