YouTube has raised fresh concerns that Australia’s decision to restrict social media accounts for users under 16 may weaken the protections available to younger audiences.
The rule, which begins December 10, 2025, requires platforms to log out all users below 16 and block access to account-based functions.
On YouTube, this means younger viewers will no longer be able to comment, like videos, subscribe to channels, create playlists or upload content.
According to the platform, the change also removes safety tools and parental controls that only operate when a user is signed in.
YouTube argues that shutting minors out of their accounts will leave parents with fewer ways to manage what their children see online and could expose them to more risks while still allowing them to watch public videos.
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The Australian government says the policy is aimed at reducing exposure to harmful content and the influence of addictive algorithmic feeds.
Officials insist that platforms must provide a safe experience for all users, whether or not they are logged in.
The disagreement underscores a larger debate about how best to protect children online, whether limiting accounts offers real safety benefits or simply eliminates the features designed to keep young users safer in the first place.