YouTube will abide by Australia’s teen social media prohibition
Millions of Australian users and content producers received a «disappointing update» from YouTube. Which said it would block the accounts of users under 16 in a matter of days in order to comply with the world’s first teen social media prohibition.
The ruling puts an end to a standoff between the internet behemoth and the Australian government. Which had previously exempted Google-owned YouTube from the age limit due to its educational value. Google had stated that it was looking for legal counsel over how to handle the need.
According to a statement from the firm, «viewers must now be 16 or older to log in to YouTube.»
“This is a disappointing update. This law will not deliver on its promise to make children safer online and, in fact, will make Australian children less safe on YouTube.”
Other governments contemplating age-based regulations are keenly observing the Australian ban, which could establish a global standard for how large platforms owned by internet giants—mostly American—balance kid safety with access to digital services.
According to the Australian government, the action is a response to mounting evidence that platforms are failing to adequately shield minors from dangerous information.
YouTube announced that starting on December 10, users under the age of sixteen will be automatically locked out of their accounts. This would prevent them from subscribing, liking, or commenting on postings, but they would still be able to watch content without checking in.
Also read: «Extraordinary” years ahead for Mexico, says Carlos Hank González
