Communications Minister Anika Wells has put all social media platforms “on notice” that they could face inclusion in Australia’s under-16 ban if they become destinations for harmful content targeting young teenagers. The warning demonstrates the government’s intention to maintain an evolving regulatory framework that adapts as youth digital behaviors shift in response to initial restrictions on major platforms.
YouTube will begin removing underage users on December 10 despite parent company Google’s concerns that the legislation eliminates crucial safety features. Rachel Lord from Google’s policy division detailed how account-based protections including parental supervision tools, content restrictions, and wellbeing reminders will become unavailable. The company argues the law was rushed and fundamentally misunderstands how young Australians interact with digital platforms.
Wells has dismissed industry pushback with unusually direct criticism, calling YouTube’s warnings “outright weird” during her National Press Club address. She argued that platforms highlighting their own safety problems should focus on solving those issues rather than opposing protective legislation. The minister emphasized that tech companies have deployed predatory algorithms to exploit teenage psychology for engagement and profit, and the ban represents reclaiming that power.
ByteDance’s Lemon8 app demonstrates the impact of Wells’s “all platforms on notice” approach. The Instagram-style service announced voluntary over-16 restrictions from December 10 despite not being explicitly named in legislation. Lemon8 had experienced increased interest specifically because it avoided the initial ban, but eSafety Commissioner monitoring prompted proactive compliance rather than waiting for potential future inclusion in the law.
The government has acknowledged implementation challenges while maintaining commitment to enforcement. Wells conceded the ban won’t be perfect from day one, potentially taking days or weeks to fully materialize, but insisted authorities remain dedicated to protecting Generation Alpha. The eSafety Commissioner will collect compliance data beginning December 11 with monthly updates, while platforms face penalties up to 50 million dollars. Wells specifically mentioned even professional networks like LinkedIn as potential future targets if they become destinations for online bullying or harmful algorithms targeting young teens. This comprehensive warning signals that no platform can consider itself permanently exempt from Australia’s regulatory reach as the country establishes what may become a global model for adaptive youth digital protection.
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