Australia Expands Social Media Ban to Include YouTube

In a landmark decision, Australia announced it will extend its pioneering social media ban for teenagers to include YouTube, overturning an earlier exemption for the Alphabet-owned site. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to protect minors from online harm, asserting that social media platforms must bear social responsibility.

The inclusion of YouTube, which is widely used by Australian teenagers, has sparked controversy. YouTube maintains it should not be classified as social media, as it primarily serves as a platform for video sharing. However, critics point to its algorithm-driven content recommendations as justification for its inclusion in the ban.

This decision marks a new chapter in Australia's ongoing scrutiny of big tech companies, highlighting a commitment to regulating the online environment for underage users. The situation also revives tensions with Alphabet, echoing past disputes over tech regulation in the country. The government's final steps will depend on forthcoming reports regarding age-checking technologies.

(With inputs from agencies.)