YouTube has raised concerns over Australia`s proposed ban on social media for children under 16, warning that the measure, while well intentioned, may not effectively improve online safety.

The Albanese government plans to introduce the legislation by the end of 2025, targeting platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with heavy fines for violations. Companies could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) if found non-compliant.

However, YouTube argues that it should be exempt from the legislation, claiming it is not a social media platform. Speaking before a senate committee on Monday, YouTube’s local spokesperson Rachel Lord said the law could lead to "unintended consequences" and questioned its enforceability.

"The legislation will not only be extremely difficult to enforce, it also does not fulfil its promise of making kids safer online," Lord said. She emphasized that keeping children safe online requires more than just restricting their access.

“While well-crafted legislation can support industry efforts, the solution is not to stop kids from being online,” she added.

The law’s details, including enforcement mechanisms, remain unclear. Experts have expressed concerns that the legislation may end up being largely symbolic, while social media companies have criticized it as vague, problematic, and rushed.

Although the government recently clarified that platforms won’t be required to verify every user’s age, they must take "reasonable steps" to identify and remove underage users.