The Rubens were set to perform in Canberra last night (30 July) as part of the “Google at Parliament House” event.

However, the performance was pulled at the last minute after it was announced that YouTube, which Google owns, would be included under the federal government’s social media ban for under-16s, which comes into effect later this year.

In a statement, Google said that out of respect for families who were at Parliament House speaking about their children’s suicides after they were exposed to harmful online content, the event was off.

“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 statement from the tech giant read.

“We apologise for the late notice, and appreciate your understanding. We will be in touch with a new date as soon as possible.”

As the Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times report, The Rubens were already there when the cancellation notice came through and “had to pack up their set halfway through getting ready.”

After the Albanese government announced that YouTube would be banned for under-16s under new legislation, a spokesperson for YouTube said it rejected its classification as “social media,” Crikey reports.

They added, “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.”

While YouTube Kids will be exempt from the upcoming ban on social media for under-16s, the main video platform, as well as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Snapchat, will be banned. The legislation is set to come into effect on Wednesday, 10 December.

As part of the legislation, children logging into YouTube will be banned, but the website will still be accessible to those who use the website or app without being logged in.

Google has previously threatened to sue the federal government over its teen social media ban law for including YouTube in its legislation.

As SBS notes, the early research surrounding an age-verification trial found that technology, including AI, could block young children from accessing social media platforms, but loopholes still exist.

Platforms that don’t comply with the government’s incoming legislation will face penalties of up to $50 million if they’re caught not taking reasonable steps to stop under-16s from accessing their content and creating accounts.

This article makes mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support, please get in touch with Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.