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YouTube’s social media ban exemption not guaranteed, department official says

In a letter to industry executives on Monday, a department official moved to highlight that Labor's controversial YouTube exemption has not yet been legislated.

John Buckley
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The social media ban allows the communications minister to fine companies up to $50 million if children 16 and under are repeatedly able to access their platforms. PA Wire/Yui Mok.

The Department of Communications has moved to assure tech executives involved in work on world-leading plans to introduce social media age restrictions that Labor’s proposal to offer YouTube a carveout has not yet been finalised.

The advice was contained in a letter from the First Assistant Secretary of Digital Platforms at the Department of Communications, Sarah Vandenbroek, sent on Monday, adding to mounting industry confusion over how and when Labor decided to award YouTube an exemption.

“While the former Minister for Communications proposed to exclude YouTube, no legislative rules have been made giving effect to this or any other exclusion from the minimum age obligation,” Vandenbroek wrote to executives in the letter, seen by Capital Brief.

The letter noted that the department had undertaken consultation through February and March. It said feedback had been sought from a range of stakeholders, including young people, parents and carers, the digital industry, mental health and legal experts, among others.