Reddit Challenges Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban in High Court
Reddit has filed a lawsuit in the High Court of Australia, seeking to overturn the country’s landmark legislation that bans children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The legal challenge, filed on Friday, argues that the ban infringes upon the implied freedom of political communication within the Australian Constitution.
The lawsuit comes just days after the world-first ban came into effect on 10 December. Under the new laws, social media companies face fines of up to AUD49.5 million (RM134 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts.
In its filing, Reddit contends that the legislation is invalid because it disproportionately restricts political discourse among young people. The company argues that Australian citizens under 16 will soon become voters, and their ability to make informed choices relies on the political communication they engage in before turning 18.
Reddit further claims that it should be exempt from the ban even if the law is upheld. The San Francisco-based company distinguishes itself from platforms like Instagram or TikTok, asserting that it functions primarily as a “collection of public fora” for information sharing rather than a site focused on social interaction between known individuals.
“We believe there are more effective ways for the Australian government to accomplish our shared goal of protecting youth,” a Reddit spokesperson said in a statement. The company warned that the law forces “intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors,” isolating teenagers from age-appropriate community experiences.
The Australian government has vowed to defend the legislation. Communications Minister Anika Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have framed the law as a necessary measure to protect children from online harm.
“The Albanese government is on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms,” a government spokesperson said in response to the legal action. Health Minister Mark Butler criticised the move, suggesting the company was prioritising profits over the well-being of young Australians.
Reddit is the first major tech giant to launch a direct legal challenge against the ban, though other platforms, including YouTube, have publicly criticised the policy as “rushed.” The lawsuit follows a separate legal challenge filed last month by two teenagers backed by a digital rights group, which is set for a hearing in February.
Despite the litigation, Reddit stated it would comply with the new regulations while the legal process unfolds.
