Media release - Government in a quandary over YouTube exemption

Melissa McIntosh MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
Shadow Minister for Women
Federal Member for Lindsay

24 June 2025

Government in a quandary over YouTube exemption

The clock is ticking with less than six months until the social media age minimum is implemented and the Albanese Labor Government is tripping over itself as to whether YouTube is exempt or not.

Initially included, then given a personal carve out by former Communications Minister Michelle Rowland MP, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has recommended YouTube be reincluded in the rules given it is the most used platform for kids and has the highest number of complaints from children about concerning content.

Ms Inman Grant said seven in 10 kids report encountering harmful content online, including exposure to misogynistic or hateful material, dangerous online challenges, violent fight videos, and content promoting eating disorders.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP said “the Albanese Government is in a quandary right now. The eSafety Commissioner’s advice released overnight is a vote of no confidence in the Government’s ability to implement the social media age minimum effectively.”

“With just six months until these changes commence, it is disappointing the Government is only just now getting advice from the eSafety Commissioner.

“In or out, the Government needs to make its position clear on the requirements for social media platforms and families to protect our kids from the vitriol that is so prevalent online.

“Regardless of who you speak with we can all agree that our kids need to be protected from any further exposure to cyber bullying, predatory behaviour and inappropriate content.

“There are more questions than answers right now, including what verification technology will be required, which platforms are in or out and what constitutes platforms taking reasonable steps to implement social media age minimum standards by 10 December 2025.

“Whichever way you look at this issue, the Albanese Labor Government is failing to keep with its own deadline to protect Australian kids online.”