Reddit and libertarian group challenge Australia’s under-16s social media ban in high court
Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project have launched a high court challenge against Australia's ban on social media for users under 16. The legal battle centers on whether the law infringes upon the implied freedom of political communication.
Why it matters
This case tests the balance between child safety legislation and digital rights, potentially setting a precedent for how governments regulate social media access.
Under its social media ban Australia forced Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Kick, X, Twitch and Threads to deactivate or suspend users they determined to be under 16. Under its social media ban Australia forced Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Kick, X, Twitch and Threads to deactivate or suspend users they determined to be under 16. Social media ban Reddit and libertarian group challenge Australia’s under-16s social media ban in high court Social network and Digital Freedom Project, led by NSW state MP John Ruddick, seek to overturn ban on grounds of implied freedom of political communication
Prefer the Guardian on Google Australia’s world-leading under-16s social media ban will face its first major legal challenge on Tuesday, as Reddit and an advocacy group headed by a libertarian politician seek to overturn the law in the high court.
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