Labor opens private talks over YouTube's exemption from social media ban
Google's YouTube, some messaging services such as WhatsApp and online games secured exemptions from the government's ban on social media for children under 16.
Labor has kicked off a private consultation process over the exemptions awarded to YouTube and other gaming and messaging services under its proposed social media age restrictions, as the government moves to finalise the controversial new framework.
In a February discussion paper distributed to stakeholders, obtained by Capital Brief, the Albanese government has sought feedback on the categories and services excluded from a proposal to ban children aged 16 and under from using social media. The paper also calls for feedback on which other types of services should secure exemptions.
The new law is set to introduce new minimum age obligations for popular social media platforms such as Meta's Instagram and Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat. Announced by Anthony Albanese in early November, legislation passed the senate less than a month later following just a 24-hour consultation period.
The platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from having an account on their platforms or face fines of up to $50 million for systematic breaches.
