Reddit files lawsuit against 'social networking ban for people under 16' as unconstitutional
On December 10, 2025, Australia will become the first country in the world to ban social media use by people under the age of 16. Platforms designated as such by the government will be required to disable the accounts of users under the age of 16. Reddit, a social message board site included in the ban, has filed a lawsuit in the Australian High Court, claiming that the law violates the constitutional right to freedom of political speech.
Reddit files High Court bid to overturn Australia social media ban
Reddit files legal challenge against social media ban for under-16s - ABC News
Australia is set to pass the Online Safety Amendment Bill (Social Media Minimum Age Bill) in 2024, which will come into effect in December 2025, requiring government-designated platform operators to disable the accounts of users under the age of 16.
Australia launches world's first 'social media ban for those under 16' law, targeting TikTok, X, Instagram, YouTube, etc. - GIGAZINE
Reddit, the platform in question, took steps to disable the accounts in question, but filed a lawsuit in the High Court, arguing that the law violates the Australian Constitution by interfering with 'freedom of political speech.'
Reddit explained that it did not file the lawsuit to avoid compliance, saying, 'We believe there are more effective ways to achieve our shared goal of protecting young people. Social media minimum age laws have serious privacy and political expression issues.'
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesman for the Albanese government said: 'We stand with parents and children, not the platforms. We will stand firm to protect young Australians from harm online.'
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