Google cancels Parliament House party after Youtube ban
Google cancelled a product and technology showcase at Parliament House at the eleventh hour, after Anthony Albanese announced its video platform Youtube would be added to the social media ban for children under 16.
Albanese and new communications minister Annika Wells held a press conference on the Parliament House steps on Wednesday morning, where they were joined by parents whose children had died as a result of being exposed to harm online.
Google said it cancelled the event out of respect to the parents who appeared at Parliament earlier in the day. An email seen by Mumbrella informed invitees of the cancellation just hours before the event was due to begin.
“Out of respect for grieving families who have gathered in Parliament House today, we have decided to postpone the annual Google at Parliament House event,” the email said.
“We apologise for the late notice, and appreciate your understanding. We will be in touch with a new date as soon as possible.”
Google at Parliament House, an annual event held at the building, was scheduled for Wednesday evening.
The invite promised guests would “hear from partners, businesses and meet some of Australia’s most beloved YouTube Creators, including the Mik Maks and Never Too Small”. Rock band The Rubens was also set to play.
Last week, Google threatened the Australian government with legal action if Youtube was included in the ban. The company sent a legal letter to Minister Wells that argued that not exempting Youtube could be an inappropriate use of ministerial power.
Albanese had previously indicated that Youtube would be exempt from the ban. The Prime Minister bundled the platform along with vital services such as Kids Helpline and Headspace in a November press release carving out the expected exemptions to the legislation.
Following the government’s backflip, a Youtube spokesperson said in a statement to Mumbrella its “position remains clear”.
“YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media.
“The Government’s announcement today reverses a clear, public commitment to exclude YouTube from this ban. We will consider next steps and will continue to engage with the Government.”
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Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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It’s always someone else with Google isn’t it. This time ‘ grieving parents’.
I think most of us will see this for what it is.
They took their ball and went home.
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Good stuff Google this is nothing more than a Trojan Horse Digital ID
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I think that “Google cancelled a product and technology showcase at Parliament House at the eleventh hour” because rather than protecting those under 16, they are acting like under 16’ers.
They’d probably also agree to allow 10-year-olds to drive cars on highways … it would be democratic!!!
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