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YouTube attacks Australia's underage social media ban

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December 8, 2025

Google subsidiary YouTube has criticized an Australian law banning social media accounts for under-16s, arguing the legislation set to take effect December 10 makes young users of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube less safe.

Australia will ban social media accounts for users under the age of 16 starting December 10, forcing platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to delete underage profiles or face fines.

YouTube warns the law could make kids less safe, while the government insists platforms must fix content issues.

A 15-year-old has taken the case to Australia's High Court, arguing the ban violates young people's rights.

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