5 Scandalous Reasons TikTok Accuses Australia arrested over alleged
TikTok has strongly criticised the Australian government for exempting YouTube from a sweeping social media crackdown that will see under-16s banned from most platforms, reported Bloomberg.
Reportedly, the Chinese-owned video-sharing app condemned the move as “illogical, anti-competitive and short-sighted.”
TikTok Accuses Australia, In its submission to the Department of Communications, tiktok has criticized the australian information commissioner lashed out at what it described as a “sweetheart deal” for YouTube, arguing that the Google-owned platform does not merit its classification as a health and education service. The new law, which was passed in November and is set to take effect by the end of 2025, places the onus on social media firms to enforce the under-16s ban, with penalties of up to A$50 million for non-compliance.
The exemption of YouTube has sparked backlash not just from TikTok, but also from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Snap Inc., which owns Snapchat, criticized the australian governments decision to exempt youtube. Meta’s submission stated that the special treatment afforded to YouTube “makes a mockery of the government’s stated intention to protect young people.” However, TikTok’s response has been the most outspoken, reflecting its frustration that the regulation could set a precedent for other countries.
TikTok Accuses Australia, Government figures show that YouTube is the most popular platform among Australian children. A study by the eSafety Commissioner found that in 2024, around 80 per cent of children aged between eight and 12 used at least one social media platform, with YouTube being the most dominant. Among this age group, 68 per cent watched YouTube, compared to 31 per cent using TikTok and 19 per cent on Snapchat. Among 13 to 15-year-olds, YouTube’s presence was even greater, with 73 per cent reporting usage.
TikTok argued that YouTube’s short-form content is “virtually indistinguishable” from its own and compared the exemption to banning soft drinks for minors but making Coca-Cola an exception. The crackdown is expected to significantly impact social media platforms by cutting off a key demographic—young users who are highly sought after by advertisers and tech companies looking to secure long-term engagement.
With YouTube left untouched, TikTok, Meta and Snap now appear to share a common goal: ensuring they do not face the regulatory burden alone. Despite closed-door discussions with government officials, tech firms seem to have made little headway in altering the law’s implementation.
Background of TikTok’s Issues in Australia, cyclone alfred approaches viewed
TikTok, the viral short-video platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been a subject of concern for governments worldwide. Several countries, including the US and India, have either banned or placed restrictions on the app due to security and privacy concerns.
Australia has been closely monitoring TikTok’s operations, citing similar concerns over data privacy and potential foreign interference. TikTok Accuses Australia But TikTok insists that these concerns are merely an excuse to push a bigger agenda.
The 5 Main Reasons TikTok Accuses Australia of a Social Media Ban
1. Allegations of Political Bias Against Chinese-Owned Platforms
TikTok claims that Western governments, including Australia’s, are biased against Chinese-owned tech companies. While companies like Meta (Facebook) and Google also collect vast amounts of user data, they face far less scrutiny. TikTok Accuses Australia that it is being unfairly targeted simply because it is a Chinese-owned company rather than any real security risk.
2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns – A Convenient Excuse?
The Australian government has repeatedly raised concerns over TikTok’s data practices. Officials fear that user data collected by the app could be accessed by the Chinese government. However, TikTok has denied these allegations, stating that Australian user data is stored securely and is not shared with any government.
TikTok argues that security concerns are being used as a smokescreen for political maneuvering. After all, social media giants like Facebook and Instagram have faced multiple data breaches, yet they continue to operate without major restrictions.
3. Protectionist Policies Favoring Local Social Media Alternatives
Another major point TikTok raises is that banning the app would benefit Western tech companies. Australia has strong business ties with the US, and a TikTok ban could create more opportunities for American platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
TikTok suggests that such a move is less about security and more about favoring local and Western competitors in the social media market.
4. Misinformation and Censorship – Who Controls the Narrative?
TikTok has been a major platform for sharing information, including political discussions and controversial topics. By banning the platform, TikTok argues that the Australian government is attempting to control the digital narrative and suppress voices that may challenge the status quo.
5. National Security Concerns or Political Influence?
TikTok questions whether the Australian government’s concerns about national security are genuine or if they are influenced by global political tensions, particularly the strained relationship between Australia and China. TikTok Accuses Australia, the app points out that similar concerns have been raised about other tech giants, yet no comparable actions have been taken against them.
(With inputs from Bloomberg)