Canberra: Google has raised serious concerns about Australia’s new law that will ban children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts, calling it “extremely difficult” to enforce and warning of possible unintended consequences.
The law, set to take effect on December 10, 2025, requires major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services. Violations could result in fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Instead of requiring formal ID checks, the legislation directs companies to use artificial intelligence and behavioral analysis to estimate a user’s age. Google, which owns YouTube, says this approach is highly unreliable and risks both blocking legitimate users and failing to keep underage children off the platforms.
A Google spokesperson explained that the company supports child safety online but believes that a blanket ban may not lead to safer digital environments. The company has urged the Australian government to focus on stronger parental controls and better safety tools instead of outright prohibitions.
The eSafety Commissioner, who will oversee enforcement, insists the measure is designed to protect minors from harmful content, bullying, and exploitation. Earlier drafts of the law had excluded YouTube, but regulators later decided to include it under the new restrictions.
Legal experts have already hinted that the legislation could face constitutional challenges, arguing it might restrict young Australians’ freedom of communication and participation in civic discussions. However, supporters believe the move is a much-needed step to safeguard children in the digital age.
The United Nations has praised Australia’s decision as a bold initiative that could inspire other nations to strengthen child protection measures online. Still, critics worry that the law could push teenagers toward unregulated or underground platforms, potentially exposing them to greater risks.
Tech companies, lawmakers, and advocacy groups are now in intense discussions about how the law will be implemented and monitored. An independent review is scheduled within two years of its launch to assess its impact and effectiveness.
As the deadline approaches, Australia finds itself at the center of a global debate over how far governments should go in controlling young people’s digital lives — and whether technology can truly enforce the boundaries lawmakers set.