Meta, TikTok arc up over YouTube's carveout from Labor's social media ban
The ban for children 16 and under means Meta, TikTok and Snapchat can be fined up to $50 million but Google's YouTube is set to secure an exemption from the law.
Meta and TikTok have criticised the government’s decision to give YouTube a carveout from controversial new social media age restrictions after Labor kicked off a private consultation process.
Both social media giants referenced government research showing Google-owned YouTube was the most popular digital platform among young people in Australia, and questioned how its exemption was in accordance with the law’s stated objectives.
“Given the government’s stated goal to help young Australians have meaningful, real-life experiences and ensure a safe online experience, it would be best if all platforms that teens use were held to the same standard,” a Meta spokesperson told Capital Brief.
Research prepared by the Department of Customer Service in September found that YouTube was the most used digital platform among children aged 5-15, with Instagram shooting ahead for 16 and 17 year olds.
