07:25 AM EDT, 06/24/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with YouTube's ( GOOG ) response in the fifth, sixth, and seventh paragraphs.)

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.

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

In a blog post Tuesday, YouTube Australia said the commissioner's recommendation was "in direct contradiction to the government's decision to exempt YouTube ( GOOG ) from the ban" and cited government research that showed YouTube ( GOOG ) is appropriate for children.

"YouTube ( GOOG ) is not a social media platform; it is a video streaming platform with a library of free, high-quality content, and TV screens are increasingly the most popular place to watch," the online video sharing platform said.

"We urge the government to follow through on the public commitment it made to ensure young Australians can continue to access enriching content on YouTube ( GOOG )," it added.