YouTube gives parents control over what their children can view
YouTube is to let parents see what their children are searching for and watching for the first time as part of new safeguards ahead of incoming Duty of Care laws.
The video-sharing website is launching "supervised experience" accounts for under-13s that will allow parents to set limits on what content their children can see.
YouTube already has a Kids app that has a number of controls for parents. However, it said the supervised accounts would be the first on the main YouTube website.
The Government will soon bring a Bill before Parliament that proposes huge fines for tech firms that do not shield children from harmful content.
YouTube's new accounts are aimed at children from nine upwards and will help filter what they see and search for.
They will have three levels of settings: the first will allow children to select only child-friendly topics and videos; the second will show content generally suitable for viewers aged over 13; and the third will only block subjects considered suitable for adults.
The accounts will also allow parents to monitor a list of videos their children have been watching and searching for, something that could only be done before if they had access to their child's account and password. The new accounts are due to be launched in a test "beta" format in the coming weeks.
It comes as several tech companies are tightening their child protections ahead of Duty of Care laws, which The Telegraph has campaigned for since 2018, being enforced.
Under the proposals, companies can be banned from the UK or fined up to 10 per cent of their global revenue if children come to harm on their services. The regulations, which will likely be enforced by Ofcom, would mean fines of up to £13 billion for YouTube's parent company, Google.
Vicki Shotbolt, CEO of advice group Parent Zone, said of the new YouTube accounts: "Lots of effort has gone into making sure young children have safer online experiences and that's incredibly important.
"But as every parent knows, it's when you have to start to remove the training wheels and let go of the reins that things can be difficult.
"This new supervised experience will give parents a way to manage that journey towards greater digital freedom without feeling they have no control or influence. It's an exciting step towards a partnership approach with parents and as such we really welcome it."
