High Court case disputes sweeping under-16 restrictions
Reddit files a High Court challenge against Australia’s law blocking users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law took effect on Wednesday and requires ten companies to prevent young Australians from creating accounts. Supporters say the ban shields minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit complies with the law but warns it poses serious risks to privacy and political freedoms. Two teenagers are also pursuing a separate case awaiting a High Court hearing.
Company says law misreads youth online behavior
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit writes on its website. The platform urges the government to adopt effective and less intrusive protections for young users. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will stay firm and will not let major tech firms influence policy decisions.
Teens argue the ban limits political freedom
Two 15-year-olds from New South Wales claim the law violates the implied freedom to discuss political and government issues. One teen says democratic participation does not begin at 16 and calls the age limit unfair.
Experts warn children will bypass restrictions
Analysts predict many young users will trick verification systems or shift to less safe online spaces. Advocates argue the ban removes vital social connections. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and rural teens rely heavily on online communities.
High-profile figures support Australia’s firm stance
Parents broadly support the measure, and public figures like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, praise Australia’s actions. The couple calls the ban bold but says it should not have been necessary. They hope it prompts a wider reassessment of tech companies that prioritize growth over safety.
Australia enforces the strictest youth social media rules worldwide
Governments around the world experiment with limits on children’s access to platforms. Australia goes further than any other country with its age limit of 16 and refusal to allow parental consent as an exemption. The country now enforces the strictest youth access rules globally.
Reddit criticizes intrusive checks and uneven enforcement
Reddit argues the law forces invasive and insecure verification for adults and minors. The platform says the ban isolates teens from age-appropriate communities and creates an inconsistent list of platforms. It calls for targeted, privacy-focused solutions instead of blanket bans.
The company emphasizes that the case does not aim to avoid compliance or retain young users. Most Reddit members are adults, and the platform does not target advertising at anyone under 18. Other affected platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
