Starting December 10, social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and X must block all users under the age of 16. The Australian government's justification is to protect children and young people from harmful content on social media.
However, the Google-owned video platform believes the law is hasty and unrealistic.
YouTube says the platform's built-in settings that protect younger users from harmful content will not protect those who create new accounts with fake birth dates or those who use the platform without logging in.
"This law will not deliver on its promise to make children safer online, but will make Australian children less safe on YouTube," said Rachel Lord at YouTube in a statement.
