These regulations need to be established before the ban’s implementation at the end of this year, mainly to allow platforms to prepare for the adjustments, as well as to inform the parents and children who will be affected.

Less than two weeks ago, the Minister responsible wrote to the eSafety Commissioner seeking advice on the drafter’s rules.

“The recommendations point out that YouTube has similar features to other platforms which are set to be banned.”

“YouTube currently incorporates persuasive design features and functionalities that could be linked to health-related harms, such as those that might lead to undesired or excessive use (including infinite scroll, auto-play, qualitative social metrics, and customized and algorithmically suggested content feeds).”

“Separately and combined, these features may encourage excessive consumption without breaks and amplify exposure to harmful content.”

In addition to calling out the YouTube exemption, the eSafety Commissioner suggests adding an explanatory statement to the rules to outline the Government’s intentions, and amending the rules to look at the purpose of the social media service as well as the risk of harm it poses.

The Minister for Communications will now consider these recommendations, before tabling the Rules in Parliament.