Australia advances in his battle to protect those under 16 years of the risks associated with the use of social networksincluding for the first time to YouTube on the list of platforms subject to this prohibition. The decision is based on investigations that alert to harmful content and Techniques such as “Infinite Scroll” and the Automatic reproductionthat catch children in consumption cycles without control.
The YouTube Kids exclusion shows a nuance in the regulations, but Minors may not have active accounts on YouTube or subscribe to channels. In front of protests and strong pressure Googleowner of YouTube, the Australian government maintains its firm position.
Details of the new regulations and justification
The Minister Anika Wells He stressed that the new law, that It will be implemented from Decemberintends pRotger to young people as if they were trying to swim in an ocean full of “sharks” —The social media platforms with predative algorithms -, Instead of in a controlled pool.
Said algorithms They use characteristics designed to hook userslike the ‘Infinite scrolle‘ and Personalized listsexposing children to harmful content ranging from sexist messages and violent until dangerous challenges and habitsunhealthy foods.
Although originally YouTube could be considered out of veto Due to its educational potential, the recent report of the online Security Commission (Esafety) revealed that 37% of children reported having seen harmful content on the platformwhich motivated to review this exception.
Limitations and measures for minors
The Legislation does not affect the YouTube Kids applicationwhich is still operational then Restrict the upload of videos and The comments. The minors can watch videos on YouTube without loggingperor not to create or maintain active accounts or subscriptionsthus limiting direct social interaction.
Platforms that breach the ban face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (32 million US dollars). Wells has recognized that The law is not a perfect solution and that some minors will look for ways to avoid itbut firmly stated that it is a crucial step to significantly improve the well -being of Australian children.
YouTube reaction and industry
Googlethrough YouTubehas criticized the inclusion in the ban, claiming that YouTube is not a social network but a video content platform with high quality educational contentand has warned that he will consider legal actions. However, it continues to dialogue with the Australian authorities.
In it Children’s content sector, the measure generates restlessnessgiven that YouTube has been a key channel for creators and Recognized brands as The Wiggles either Bluey To connect with young audiences. Alson awarded series such as the “First Day” Trans Program They use YouTube to reach your specific audience.
However, the Concern for the lack of healing the content against algorithms that prioritize the attention of childrencausing a growing controversy in the children’s television industry. Despite this, YouTube has declared that it has no plans to produce children directlyaccording to statements of a responsible at his children’s media conference in the United Kingdom.
Australia at the forefront
The Australian legislationconsidered worldwide pioneeralso includes pilot tests to verify the age of users through “privacy-preserving” technologies (Preservation of privacy), although without a perfect universal solution. The law Find a balance between transparency, security and privacy, But it generates debate about possible restrictions for vulnerable minors that depend on these platforms for social support.
With the Millionaire fines and the public commitment to maintain firmness in the face of the pressures of technological giants, The Australian government takes a decisive step in regulating minors access to social networkspromising to continue with a “establish and support” approach, rather than simply prohibit.
