High Court case challenges sweeping restrictions
Reddit brings a High Court case against Australia’s new rule that blocks all users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law came into force on Wednesday and forces ten companies to deny accounts to young Australians. Supporters argue the rule protects minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit complies with the regulation but warns of serious threats to privacy and political rights. Two teenagers prepare a separate challenge and wait for their own High Court hearing.
Company says the law misreads digital realities
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit states on its website. The platform calls for effective and less invasive ways to keep young people safe. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will stand firm and refuses to let large tech firms influence its stance.
Teens claim the ban curbs political expression
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 participation does not begin at 16 and criticises the age limit as unfair.
Experts fear risky online detours
Specialists warn that many children will evade the checks by tricking verification tools or by moving to less safe online spaces. Some young people and mental-health advocates argue the ban cuts essential social ties. They say LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and rural youths rely heavily on digital communities for support.
Prominent voices welcome the tough stance
Parents strongly support the measure, and public figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, back Australia’s approach. The couple calls the move bold but says it should not have become necessary. They hope the action prompts a broader review of tech companies that prioritised growth over safety.
Australia sets the strictest youth rules worldwide
Governments around the world test new ways to limit social media use among children. Australia goes furthest with its age limit of 16 and its refusal to allow parental consent as an exception. The country now enforces the strictest youth access rules globally.
Reddit highlights intrusive checks and inconsistent coverage
Reddit argues the law forces insecure and invasive verification for minors and adults. The company says the ban isolates teens from age-appropriate communities and creates an uneven list of targeted platforms. It calls for targeted and privacy-focused solutions rather than sweeping bans.
The platform stresses that 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 direct advertising at anyone under 18. Other affected services include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
