YouTube will sign out users under 16 across Australia to comply with new age requirements taking effect in December 2025. The decision follows regulatory clarification that the platform is covered by the Social Media Minimum Age provisions introduced through the Online Safety Amendment Act. The law requires major digital platforms to prevent people under 16 from holding accounts and imposes financial penalties for non-compliance.
YouTube said it will apply the rule nationwide on the implementation date. Underage users will lose access to features that require an account, including subscriptions, playlists, likes, and the ability to post or comment. They will still be able to watch publicly available videos without signing in. The company said account-based services will remain unavailable until users reach the legal age or complete an approved verification process.
Regulators said platforms must demonstrate that they can identify underage users and remove or block accounts. Authorities noted that fines can reach AUD 49.5 million if companies fail to enforce the law. They said the requirements apply to platforms that allow community interaction, content sharing, or communication features, regardless of whether the primary service is entertainment, education, or messaging.
YouTube’s decision follows a period of uncertainty. The company initially argued that it should not be included because its service is used broadly for learning and entertainment. Public debate over online harms led regulators to consider video platforms within scope. Officials said exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content remains a concern even when a platform is not designed for social networking.
Research cited in national media indicated that a significant number of users under 16 currently hold accounts and use platform features daily. Analysts said the law may lead to shifts in how young people access online services, including attempts to view content without signing in or the possibility of migration to less regulated platforms. Youth groups expressed concern that removing access may reduce the ability of teens to participate in school-related or creative activities hosted on the platform.
Safety specialists said enforcement will test the effectiveness of age verification systems. They noted that many platforms rely on self-declared information, which can be difficult to validate. Regulators said they expect companies to develop stronger verification mechanisms over time.
Authorities said they will monitor compliance once the law takes effect and will continue to review how young people use online platforms.