Reddit Challenges Australia’s World-First Under-16 Social Media Ban in High Court

Reddit has launched a legal challenge in Australia’s High Court against the country’s landmark ban that bars all children under 16 from holding social media accounts — the world’s strictest such law.

The new policy, which took effect on Wednesday, forces ten major platforms including Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to remove under-16 users and conduct mandatory age verification.

Reddit says it is complying with the ban but argues the law threatens privacy, political freedoms, and adult users’ rights.

“Despite the best intentions, this law is missing the mark… There are more effective ways to accomplish our shared goal of protecting youth,” the company said in a statement.
It warned the legislation requires “intrusive and potentially insecure” verification for everyone, not just minors, and disrupts “age-appropriate community experiences”.

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Second Major Legal Challenge After Teenagers Sue Government

Reddit’s petition follows a separate High Court challenge by two 15-year-olds from New South Wales, who claim the ban is unconstitutional and violates Australia’s implied freedom of political communication.

“Democracy doesn’t start at 16,” said one of the teens, Macey Newland.

A hearing date is expected next year.

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Government Unmoved: ‘We Will Not Be Intimidated By Big Tech’

Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed the challenges, saying the government stands firmly behind the law.

“We will not be intimidated by big tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we will stand firm,” she told parliament.

The policy is hugely popular with parents and has been endorsed by global figures including Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who praised Australia’s “bold” step while criticising tech companies for prioritising “growth over safety”.

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Experts Warn Ban May Backfire

While supported by many, the blanket ban has sparked concerns among digital rights advocates, child psychologists, and educators:

• Children may evade age checks by circumventing verification tools

• Teens may migrate to less safe online spaces

• Vulnerable groups — including LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and rural youth — could lose critical online community support

• Young people may become less prepared to navigate the internet safely

Australia’s law is unprecedented globally: unlike rules in Florida or the EU, it sets the age limit at 16 with no parental consent exemption.