The Australian government has confirmed its decision to include YouTube in a forthcoming ban on social media platforms for children, stirring a potential legal confrontation with the platform’s parent company, Google. After months of rumors and whispers, the news does not disappoint. It comes on the heels of Google’s aggressive lobbying campaign to reverse the decision.
We are museum advocates This week, however, brought some wonderful news from Communications Minister Annika Wells. The government is clearly committed to preventing children from falling victim to the damaging impact of online platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed the move, announcing, “we’re on the side of families.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to make sure that social media has a significant social responsibility. This is particularly important when it comes to preventing harm to young Australians.
Google’s reps pointedly made all their concerns directly to Minister Wells. They argued strongly that YouTube is first and foremost a video-sharing platform, and that allows for huge educational benefits. A spokesperson for YouTube remarked, “YouTube is a video sharing platform, not a social media service, that offers benefit and value to younger Australians.” The government doesn’t seem discouraged by these objections.
In the hours leading to the public announcement, Google doubled down on their lobbying blitz. They hosted a spectacular event on the steps of our Parliament House on Wednesday afternoon. Despite these moves, the government continues to double down on its position. Minister Wells stated, “There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”
The addition of YouTube to the ban would likely result in a whole other political and legal circus with Google. Industry observers warned that this move could be a significant overreach of government authority beyond the scope of government regulation, especially over an inherently digital platform. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant previously rejected claims that the ban would adversely affect educators and schools, affirming that “there is nothing in the legislation that prevents educators with their own accounts from continuing to incorporate school-approved educational content on YouTube or any other service just as they do now.”
As the situation unfolds, both sides are gearing up for what could become a significant legal dispute over the implications of this legislation. Inman Grant’s earlier assurances about educational content suggest that the government is attempting to balance safety measures with the needs of educators.
