TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat are once again demanding explanations from Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland regarding YouTube’s exemption from upcoming social media age restriction laws. 

According to a Financial Review report, the platforms claim they were assured as recently as March that YouTube’s exemption was not guaranteed and that any law on age restrictions was still in the draft stage.

“A sweetheart deal made between the communications minister and the global head of YouTube raises serious questions about the integrity of the government’s plan to exclude them from the under-16 ban,” a TikTok spokeswoman says in a statement.

The new legislation, set to take effect by the end of 2025, will prohibit users under 16 from having accounts on most social platforms. Violations could result in penalties of up to $50 million for platforms that fail to enforce the restrictions.

Inconsistent Justifications Cited

Financial Review notes that the government has shifted its explanation for YouTube’s exemption multiple times. 

Rowland initially stated YouTube would “likely” be included in the ban before later describing it as a platform with a “significant purpose for education and health.” The most recent justification claims the exemption “reflects the common expectations of the Australian community.”

Meta questions this rationale in a submission, highlighting that the top five YouTube channels created by Australians are “not educational or informational,” naming channels such as How Ridiculous, LazarBeam, and CKN.

“We are disappointed in the process, which has been marked by a lack of transparency and open discourse,” a Meta spokeswoman says in a statement. “YouTube’s exemption is at odds with the purported reasons for the law and simply doesn’t make sense.”

Research Shows YouTube’s Popularity

The exemption comes despite data from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner showing YouTube is the most popular online platform among Australian children. TikTok has compared the situation to “banning the sale of soft drinks to minors but exempting Coca-Cola.”

A Snapchat spokeswoman notes the significance of the legislation, which is being watched globally. “Reports of blanket assurances made to the CEO of YouTube that the company would be excluded raise some serious questions about the fairness of this process,” she states.

TikTok calls for Rowland to “release any evidence, research, or expert advice” supporting the decision. The minister has yet to consult the eSafety Commissioner, who will be responsible for enforcing the law.

However, Rowland has doubled down on her position, stating: “We believe this decision reflects the common expectations of the Australian community – which is our focus.”