High Court challenge disputes under-16 restrictions
Reddit launches a High Court case against Australia’s law that blocks users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law took effect on Wednesday and forces ten companies to prevent young Australians from creating accounts. Supporters argue the ban shields minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit complies with the law but warns it threatens privacy and political freedoms. Two teenagers are also pursuing a separate challenge awaiting a High Court hearing.
Company says policy misreads youth online habits
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit states on its website. The platform calls for effective and less intrusive protections for young users. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will remain firm and will not allow major tech companies to influence policy decisions.
Teens argue the ban limits political speech
Two 15-year-olds from New South Wales claim the rule violates the implied freedom to discuss political and government matters. One teen says democratic participation does not begin at 16 and calls the age limit unfair.
Experts warn children will circumvent restrictions
Analysts predict many young users will trick age-verification systems or move to less safe online spaces. Advocates argue the ban removes essential social connections. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and rural teens rely heavily on online communities for support.
Prominent figures support Australia’s tough approach
Parents broadly approve the measure, and public figures such as 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 sparks a wider review of tech companies that prioritize growth over safety.
Australia enforces the world’s strictest youth social media rules
Governments worldwide experiment with restrictions on children’s platform use. Australia goes furthest with its age limit of 16 and refusal to allow parental consent as an exemption. The country now applies the strictest rules for minors online.
Reddit criticizes intrusive checks and inconsistent regulations
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 measures 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.
