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SYDNEY, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Despite Australia's laws banning social media access for children under 16, an exemption was granted to YouTube. Nevertheless, some mental health and extremism experts argue that the video-sharing platform exposes young users to addictive and harmful content.

The government will block TikTok, Snapchat, Meta's Instagram and Facebook, and Elon Musk's X for minors by the end of 2025, compelling them to enforce strict age restrictions or face fines. Google's YouTube will remain open to all ages due to its educational value and distinct classification from core social media platforms.

Initially, YouTube was to be included in the ban, but an exemption was made following feedback from company representatives and content creators advocating for children's use of the site.

Regarding the exemption, a spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated, While YouTube undoubtedly serves as a source of entertainment, it also provides vital educational and informational content,...aligned with the Australian community's view that YouTube is not considered a core social media platform.

The legislation passed in November enforces some of the world's strictest regulations on social media use. Despite this, several extremism and mental health researchers interviewed by Reuters believe that exempting YouTube contradicts the primary goal of shielding young users from harmful content.

Studies reveal that YouTube is the most popular social media platform among Australian teenagers, with 9 out of 10 aged 12-17 using it.

Experts cautioned that YouTube harbors dangerous content similar to the banned platforms, raising concerns about its exemption.

Reflecting on YouTube's role, Lise Waldek, from Macquarie University's Department of Security Studies and Criminology, emphasized the platform's delivery of addictive and concerning video content to young audiences.

Echoing these concerns, Helen Young of the Addressing Violent Extremism and Radicalization to Terrorism Network noted, YouTube's algorithm feeds far-right material,... to users classified as young men and boys.

While acknowledging the challenge all social media platforms face in policing harmful content, experts questioned why the country's leading platform received special treatment.

In response to criticism, a YouTube spokesperson highlighted the platform's commitment to promoting respectful content and limiting repeated exposure to potentially problematic material for young viewers.

YouTube also emphasized its intensifying content moderation efforts and expanded definition of harmful content. Furthermore, it mentioned that flagged videos were being reviewed.

Reuters conducted an experiment to assess the content delivered by YouTube's algorithm to minors, triggering concerns over links to misogynistic and extremist content. YouTube responded by removing some violating content and pledged ongoing moderation improvements.