Reddit has taken the Australian government to the High Court to challenge a new law banning under-16s from major social platforms, arguing it unduly restricts teenagers' political communication. The measure, effective Wednesday, covers 10 large services including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube. Reddit says the platform is centered on content engagement rather than social networking and asks to be exempted if the law is upheld. The government says it will defend the ban; two 15-year-olds and the Digital Freedom Project have filed a separate legal challenge.
Reddit Challenges Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban in High Court
Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia's high court to block a social media ban for teens. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Reddit has filed a challenge in the High Court of Australia seeking to block a new federal law that bars children under 16 from using major social media services. The restriction, which came into effect on Wednesday, targets 10 platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube, Twitch, Kick, Snapchat and Threads.
Legal Arguments
In its petition, Reddit argues the law is unconstitutional because it suppresses teenagers' right to participate in political discussion and other forms of civic communication. The company contends the statute "burdens political communication" by cutting off young people from age-appropriate civic and community experiences.
Why Reddit Says It Should Be Exempt
Reddit also asks that it be excluded from the ban even if the court upholds the law, arguing the service is primarily a content-engagement platform rather than a social networking site focused on direct social interactions. The filing notes that "vast amounts" of material on many services can be accessed without an account, so any reduction in harm from an account-based age ban would be "minimal (at best)."
Reddit: "Protecting kids under 16 is important, but this law could isolate teens from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions)."
Government Response and Parallel Challenges
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office said it "will stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media," indicating the government intends to defend the measure in court. Separately, two 15-year-olds — Noah Jones and Macy Neyland — together with the Digital Freedom Project, filed a separate legal challenge in November contesting the same ban.
Compliance While Litigation Proceeds
Reddit said it will comply with the law while the legal process unfolds. Because Reddit does not request age at signup, the company plans to deploy an age-prediction model and will require age verification from accounts it deems likely to belong to under-16 users.
The High Court review will determine whether the ban can stand as written and whether platforms such as Reddit should be treated differently under the law. The outcome could have broader implications for platform regulation, young people’s access to online public discourse, and the balance between safety and free expression.
