YouTube has raised serious concerns about Australia’s new plan to ban children under 16 from social media by the end of 2025. The company says that while the government’s intention is good, the policy may not actually make young users safer online.

Rachel Lord, a YouTube spokesperson, told a Senate committee that the law would be “extremely difficult to enforce” and may not achieve its goal of protecting children. She explained that blocking kids from the internet is not the real solution and could even create new risks. According to her, children need safer online environments, not total restrictions.

Lord also argued that YouTube should not be included in the ban because it is not primarily a social media platform. YouTube also says it is not a typical “social media platform”, its main function is video streaming, and therefore should be excluded from the ban. “Well-crafted legislation can be an effective tool … but the solution to keeping kids safer online is not stopping them from being online,” the company said.

Despite the government’s strong intentions, the plan faces big questions. One major concern is how enforcement will actually work. The law offers limited detail on technical steps or age-verification methods. Some experts worry the ban might be more symbolic than practical. 

Another challenge is defining exactly which services count as “social media.” YouTube is pushing back, arguing it should not be included, while the government has already reversed an earlier decision and now says YouTube will be included. Under the new rules, platforms found violating the law could face fines up to AUS $49.5 million (around US$32 million).

As Australia moves forward with this plan, several important questions remain unanswered. Will banning young children from social media truly reduce the risks they face online, or will those risks simply shift to other corners of the internet? There are concerns about whether age-verification systems can work accurately without invading users’ privacy or being easily bypassed.

Many believe that children may still find ways around the restrictions, such as using someone else’s account or turning to unregulated platforms that could be even less safe. Also, experts worry that the strict rules may push major tech companies to limit their services, pull out of the market, or change how they operate in Australia.