Reddit launches high court challenge to Australia’s under-16s social media ban
NegativeTechnology
- Reddit has initiated a High Court challenge against Australia's new law that prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, which took effect on December 10, 2025. The company argues that the law infringes on the implied freedom of political communication and imposes intrusive verification processes on users of all ages.
- This legal challenge is significant for Reddit as it seeks to protect its user base and maintain its platform's accessibility for teenagers, who are often integral to online communities. The company has expressed concerns that the law isolates teens from engaging in age-appropriate community experiences.
- The challenge reflects broader debates about online safety regulations and the balance between protecting minors and ensuring freedom of expression. As Australia implements this world-first ban, it raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures and their implications for social media platforms globally, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on the law's necessity and impact.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
