Key Takeaways:
- Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat are challenging YouTube’s exemption from Australia’s upcoming social media ban for under-16 users.
- They argue the ban unfairly favors YouTube despite its popularity and similar features.
- The ban requires platforms to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts, starting in December.
- YouTube is the most-used platform among Aussie teens, according to government research.
- The tech companies say the exemption contradicts the law’s goal of protecting young users.
If you’re on social media, you probably know how big platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are. Recently, some of these platforms started arguing about a new rule in Australia. Let’s break it down.
Australia’s New Social Media Ban
Australia passed a law in late 2024 that bans social media for users under 16. The rule says platforms must “take reasonable steps” to stop young people from having accounts. It starts in December, but the government hasn’t explained exactly how it will enforce this yet.
Isn’t YouTube also a social media platform? Yes, but the law doesn’t apply to YouTube. This has made other platforms like Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, and Snapchat upset. They say it’s unfair that YouTube gets special treatment.
Why Are Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat Upset?
These companies sent formal complaints to the Australian government. They argue that the law creates an “uneven playing field.” In other words, it’s not fair to apply rules to some platforms but not others.
TikTok’s Argument TikTok’s public policy director in Australia, Ella Woods-Joyce, called the situation “illogical.” She compared it to banning soft drinks for minors but letting Coca-Cola sell to kids. TikTok says if YouTube is exempt, it’s like letting one company break the rules while others can’t.
Meta’s Point of View Meta agrees. They pointed out that YouTube is the most popular platform among Aussie teens. A government report showed 73% of 13-15-year-olds used YouTube in 2024. Meta said, “If YouTube is the most popular, why is it exempt? It contradicts the law’s purpose.”
Are All Platforms Created Equal?
The companies argue that YouTube has features just like theirs. For example:
- YouTube Shorts are similar to TikTok’s videos or Instagram Stories.
- YouTube recommends videos using algorithms, just like TikTok or Instagram.
- Young users can interact with others on YouTube, just like on other platforms.
So, why is YouTube treated differently? Meta says, “A young person on YouTube still sees ads, gets recommendations, and interacts with others—just like on other platforms.”
Snapchat’s Take Snapchat has its own argument. They think they should be treated as a messaging app, which is exempt from the ban. But they also say if their “story” feature makes them subject to the rules, then platforms like YouTube should follow the same rules.
Why Is YouTube Exempt?
The Australian government says certain apps are exempt if they provide educational or health support. They mentioned apps like Google Classroom, Kids Helpline’s MyCircle, and YouTube as examples.
But the companies argue that YouTube is still a social media platform at its core. They believe exempting it goes against the law’s goal of protecting young users.
What Does This Mean for You?
If the ban goes ahead, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat will have to verify users’ ages or block young people. But YouTube won’t have to do the same.
This could be confusing for teens who use YouTube as much as, or even more than, other platforms. It’s like saying one app is safer just because it’s used for different things, even if it has similar features.
What’s Next?
The government is still deciding how to enforce the ban. Meanwhile, tech companies are hoping for a fairer system. They want the same rules for everyone, including YouTube.
The outcome of this debate will shape how social media works in Australia. If the ban goes ahead without changes, platforms like TikTok and Instagram might have to make big changes.
This situation shows how tricky it is to regulate social media. It’s hard to decide which platforms should follow which rules, especially when they all have similar features. But one thing is clear: Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat believe everyone should play by the same rules, including YouTube.
