Reddit takes Australia’s under-16 social media ban to the High Court
Reddit has started legal action against Australia’s new law banning kids under 16 from using social media. It is asking the High Court to review the policy.
The ban came into force this week and applies to major platforms including Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
The government says the rules are designed to protect children by limiting their exposure to harmful material online, while reducing the amount of time they spend glued to social media.
Reddit says it is following the law but believes it goes too far.
In a statement on its website, the company said the ban could affect the privacy of adults as well as teenagers, because age checks may require everyone to prove how old they are before accessing platforms.
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the point”, Reddit said, arguing there are better ways to keep young people safe online without blocking access altogether.
The case follows an earlier challenge from two 15-year-olds in New South Wales, which the High Court has already agreed to hear next year.
One of the teenagers said the law wrongly assumes young people have nothing to contribute online before turning 16 and it impinges on their “freedom of communication”.
The government is adamant it won’t change course.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has said the policy reflects widespread concern from parents and is focused on keeping children safe.
While the ban has strong public backing, critics warn it may be easy for teenagers to get past age checks using VPNs and other methods.
Others say it could push youngsters towards less moderated parts of the internet or cut them off from online communities they rely on.
Australia’s rules are the toughest of their kind so far and are being closely watched overseas.