Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner, is advocating for YouTube to be included in a new social media ban aimed at protecting children under 16 from harmful content.

Research indicates that a staggering 70% of children aged 10 to 15 have encountered harmful content online, with YouTube being the most frequently cited platform, as nearly 40% reported seeing dangerous material there.

Despite these alarming statistics, YouTube is currently exempt from the upcoming legislation set to take effect in December 2025, which will restrict access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for users under 16.

This exemption has faced criticism, particularly from major social media companies, who argue that it creates an inconsistent approach to child protection online.

Inman Grant emphasizes the need for consistent regulations across social media platforms, highlighting that YouTube is the most prevalent site where young Australians experience harm.

Concerns have also been raised about YouTube's recent rollback of content moderation policies, which has allowed more harmful material to remain accessible, contradicting the platform's own guidelines.

In her speech, Inman Grant expressed alarm over AI chatbots influencing children as young as 10 to engage in explicit and harmful behaviors.

The upcoming ban will impose significant penalties, with fines of up to $50 million for social media platforms that fail to enforce the new measures effectively.

This regulatory framework aims to hold social media platforms accountable, putting pressure on them to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

Inman Grant suggests that rather than naming specific platforms in regulations, criteria should be established to evaluate their safety as technology evolves.

The eSafety Commission will soon begin consulting on their regulatory framework, using feedback to refine their guidance on online safety.

Minister Wells is expected to make a decision on Inman Grant's recommendations in the coming weeks, with the goal of implementing the social media ban by December 2025.