High Court challenge targets sweeping under-16 ban
Reddit files a High Court challenge against Australia’s rule that blocks all users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law began on Wednesday and forces ten companies to deny accounts to young Australians. Supporters say the move protects minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Reddit complies with the rule but warns of serious dangers for privacy and political expression. Two teenagers prepare a separate case and wait for their own High Court hearing.
Company argues the policy misses essential facts
“Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit states on its website. The platform calls for stronger and less invasive ways to protect children. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the government will stand firm and refuses to be pressured by large tech firms.
Teenagers say the ban weakens 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 of them says democratic engagement does not begin at 16 and criticises the age limit as unjust.
Experts warn children will find ways around the block
Analysts believe many young people will bypass the checks by fooling verification systems or by shifting to less safe online spaces. Youth advocates note that the ban removes key social support. They say LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and rural teenagers depend on digital communities for connection.
Public support grows as well-known figures back the law
Parents strongly support the measure, and personalities like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, praise Australia’s tough stance. The couple calls the move bold but notes it should not have been necessary. They hope the action sparks a wider reassessment of tech companies that favoured growth over safety.
Australia enforces the strictest global approach
Countries worldwide test limits on children’s access to social platforms. Australia goes further than any other by setting the age at 16 and rejecting parental consent as an exemption. The country now holds the strictest standard in the world.
Reddit warns of intrusive checks and uneven platform rules
Reddit argues the law forces insecure and invasive verification for both minors and adults. The company says the restrictions cut teens off from age-appropriate communities and create an inconsistent list of affected services. It urges targeted and privacy-focused solutions instead of broad prohibitions.
Reddit stresses that the case does not aim to escape compliance or retain young users. The platform states that most of its members are adults and that it does not target advertising at anyone under 18. Other platforms under the ban include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
