06:06 AM EDT, 06/24/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) YouTube ( GOOG ) is being considered in the upcoming ban on social media by the Australian regulator for children under 16, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday, citing internet safety commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

The platform was reportedly initially exempt due to its educational content, but Inman Grant said new research showed nearly 40% of surveyed children encountered harmful material on the site.

YouTube's ( GOOG ) recommendation algorithms often expose users to distressing content and raised concerns over reported staff reductions in its online safety teams, the news outlets quoted Grant as saying.

Google ( GOOG ) responded that the commissioner overlooked input from parents and educators, calling the reversal inconsistent with last year's legislation, the outlets reported.

The communications ministry reportedly said it would assess the recommendation but has not made a final decision.

Google ( GOOG ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.