Reddit fights Australia’s under-16 social media ban in high court over speech concerns

Reddit on Friday released a legal challenge against Australia's social media ban for teens under 16, claiming that the newly passed law is ineffective and goes so far as restrict political discussion online.

Under the law, the targeted platforms will have to take 'reasonable steps' to restrict underage access, using age-verification methods such as inference from online activity, facial estimation via selfies, uploaded IDs, or linked bank details.

In its application to Australia's High Court, Reddit said that the law is “invalid on the basis of the implied freedom of political communication,” adding that it weighs political communication.

Canberra’s ban came into effect on Wednesday, December 10, and targeted major services, including Alphabet’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, and Elon Musk’s X. All targeted platforms had agreed to comply with the policy to varying degrees.

In a statement to an international news publication, Reddit stated that while it agrees with the importance of protecting teens under 16, the law could isolate teens “from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions).”

The platform's applications to the court seek a right decision, either declaring the law invalid or excluding Reddit from the provisions of the law.

“The political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers, as well as others interested in the views of those soon to reach the age of maturity,” added Reddit.

According to Reddit, the challenge was not an attempt to not follow the law, nor was it an effort to retain young users for business reasons. "There are more targeted, privacy-preserving measures to safeguard teens online without resorting to blanket bans."

The platform requested that it should not be subject to the law, as it operates more as a forum for adults facilitating “knowledge sharing” between users than as a traditional social network.