High Court case targets the nationwide under-16 ban
Reddit launches a High Court challenge against Australia’s rule that blocks all users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law began on Wednesday and forces ten companies to restrict young Australians. Supporters argue the measure protects minors from harmful material and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit follows the rule but warns of serious risks to privacy and political rights. Two teenagers also prepare a separate case that waits for a High Court hearing.
Company says the policy overlooks core online realities
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit writes on its website. The platform urges the government to use effective and less invasive protections. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will remain firm and will not allow major tech firms to influence national decisions.
Teens claim the rule limits political dialogue
Two 15-year-olds from New South Wales argue the ban violates the implied freedom to discuss political and government issues. One teen says democratic engagement does not begin at 16 and calls the age limit unfair.
Experts warn children will find simple workarounds
Analysts say many young people will bypass age checks or shift to less safe online spaces. Youth advocates argue the ban removes vital social contact. They say LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and rural teenagers depend heavily on digital communities.
Prominent supporters welcome Australia’s strong position
Parents widely 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 move bold but says it should not have been necessary. They hope the decision prompts a broader examination of tech firms that prioritised growth over safety.
Australia introduces the world’s strictest youth rules
Governments across the globe explore ways to limit children’s social media access. Australia goes furthest with its age limit of 16 and its refusal to allow parental consent as an exception. The country now enforces the world’s strictest limits for young users.
Reddit warns of intrusive checks and uneven regulation
Reddit argues the law forces insecure and invasive verification on adults and children. The company says the ban cuts teens off from age-appropriate spaces and produces an inconsistent list of targeted platforms. It calls for specific and privacy-friendly protections instead of sweeping bans.
The platform states that the case does not aim to avoid compliance or keep young users. Reddit notes that most of its community is adult and that it does not direct advertising at anyone under 18. Other platforms under the rule include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
