Australia bans teens from social media starting December 10

Australia will implement a world-first ban on teenagers under 16 using social media from December 10, 2025, targeting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The landmark trial in Los Angeles is examining whether YouTube and Meta deliberately designed platforms to addict children, with YouTube VP Cristos Goodrow defending the company's goal to provide value rather than maximize engagement. Internal documents revealed YouTube prioritized viewer engagement, while plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier argued features like auto-play and child-specific apps created a "treadmill of continuous checking." Goodrow contended scrolling indicated poor recommendations and that YouTube aimed to minimize time spent. The trial, set to conclude in March, will determine if Meta and YouTube bear responsibility for mental health issues in users like Kaley G.M., who started using platforms at age six. TikTok and Snapchat settled before trial.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/24/youtube-exec-says-goal-was-viewer-value-not-addiction/