Key facts
- Google expressed disappointment over YouTube's inclusion in the UK's planned social media ban for under-16s.
- The UK government plans to prohibit children under 16 from using platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X.
- Google argues YouTube functions as an educational platform and family streaming service, distinct from traditional social media.
- The government intends to legislate before Christmas, with the first measures expected to take effect in spring 2027.
- Google highlighted that 74% of children use YouTube for educational purposes and 50% is watched with families in living rooms.
Google has voiced its disappointment regarding the UK government's intention to include YouTube in a planned ban on social media use for individuals under 16. The tech giant argues that YouTube occupies a different position compared to traditional social media platforms, emphasizing its role as an educational resource and a family streaming service.
Kate Alessi, Google UK and Ireland managing director, stated that 74% of children use YouTube for educational purposes and that 50% of the platform's viewership occurs in living rooms with families. She expressed concern that the ban risks limiting children's access to valuable educational content.
The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, plans to implement an Australian-style regime prohibiting under-16s from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X, with measures expected to take effect in spring 2027. Ministers argue these steps are necessary to "give children their childhood back," citing a consultation where nine in ten parents supported stricter action.
Google defended YouTube's commitment to child safety, pointing to features such as YouTube Kids, supervised accounts, and parental controls. Alessi emphasized the company's decade-long dedication to creating safe experiences for children online. However, the company is awaiting further details of the legislation before making firm conclusions.
The inclusion of YouTube has been a contentious point, with ministers citing its recommendation algorithms and social features as justification, while critics question its categorization alongside social networking apps. This debate occurs as regulators like Ofcom continue to scrutinize platforms, having recently criticized YouTube and TikTok for not doing enough to prevent harmful content from being recommended to children.