High Court challenge targets the sweeping rule
Reddit files a High Court challenge against Australia’s rule that blocks all users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law took effect on Wednesday and forces ten companies to restrict young Australians. Supporters argue the measure shields minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit complies with the regulation but warns of major risks to privacy and political rights. Two teenagers bring a separate challenge that also awaits a High Court hearing.
Company argues the policy ignores key realities
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit states on its website. The platform urges the government to adopt effective and less intrusive protections. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will stand firm and will not let large tech firms influence national policy.
Teens say the ban limits political communication
Two 15-year-olds from New South Wales argue that the rule violates the implied freedom to discuss political and government issues. One teen says democratic involvement does not begin at 16 and criticises the age limit as unjust.
Experts warn of easy paths around the ban
Analysts predict many children will bypass the checks by tricking verification tools or by moving to less safe online spaces. Young people and some mental-health advocates argue the ban removes vital social connections. They say LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and rural youths rely on digital communities for support.
Public figures praise Australia’s tough stance
Parents strongly support the measure, and well-known voices like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, endorse Australia’s approach. The couple calls the move bold but says it should not have been necessary. They hope the action sparks a wider reassessment of tech firms that placed growth above safety.
Australia sets the most restrictive global standard
Governments worldwide experiment with rules that limit young users’ access to digital platforms. Australia goes furthest with its age limit of 16 and its refusal to allow parental consent as an exemption. The country now enforces the strictest youth access rules in the world.
Reddit warns of intrusive checks and flawed platform list
Reddit argues the law forces insecure and invasive verification for adults and minors. The company says the ban isolates teens from age-appropriate communities and creates an inconsistent list of affected platforms. It calls for targeted and privacy-focused protections instead of broad bans.
The platform stresses the case does not aim to avoid compliance or retain young users. Reddit notes that most of its members are adults and that it does not target advertising at anyone under 18. Other platforms subject to the rule include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
