3 months ago
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US-based platform Reddit has filed a challenge in Australia’s High Court seeking to overturn the nation’s world-first social media ban for under-16s, arguing the law infringes on free political speech and poses serious privacy risks.
The company, which is complying with the legislation while contesting it, argues the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 unconstitutionally restricts political communication by blocking young Australians from participating in online political discourse.
Reddit has filed a challenge in Australia’s High Court seeking to overturn the nation’s world-first social media ban for under-16s.Credit: Bloomberg
In its filing seen by this masthead, Reddit argues “the political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers” and that preventing children from communicating their views “directly burdens political communication in Australia”.
The company also says the law is ineffective, noting that “a person under the age of 16 can be more easily protected from online harm if they have an account, being the very thing that is prohibited” because accounts can have safety settings applied.
Reddit said it was acting on behalf of its Australian users, who have expressed concerns about being forced to submit government ID or facial scans to access a platform built on pseudonymity. The company said it had never collected age information before and has had to build entirely new verification systems to comply.
The platform also argues it shouldn’t be captured by the law at all, given it operates as a public forum for adults rather than a traditional social media network, with content accessible without an account.
A directions hearing is expected in February, with a final judgment potentially not arriving until late 2026.
The challenge comes as a separate High Court action backed by teen advocates also contests the legislation.
The federal government and the eSafety Commissioner have been contacted for comment.
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