This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Alphabet’s YouTube (GOOGL, Financials) said it will comply with Australia’s new social media restrictions by preventing users under 16 from signing into their accounts beginning Dec. 10, ending months of uncertainty over whether the platform would resist the mandate. The rule prohibits minors from maintaining accounts and imposes penalties of up to A$49.5 million for violations.
YouTube was initially exempt from the law due to its educational uses but was later added, prompting the company to seek legal advice. In a statement, YouTube called the change a disappointing update, arguing that blocking sign-ins will make teens less safe because parental controls and content filters only apply to logged-in users. The government has countered that platforms have failed to protect minors from harmful material and that stricter age controls are necessary.
The policy says that impacted users will be immediately checked out and will no longer be able to subscribe, comment, or publish. However, they will still be able to watch videos without checking in. YouTube didn’t said how it would check age. Other big sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have already said they would follow the rules. X and Reddit have not yet made a public promise to do so.
