Reddit has initiated a High Court challenge against Australia’s recent social media ban aimed at children under 16. According to the new law that took effect this week, Reddit and nine other social media platforms are required to prevent Australians under this age from having accounts. Advocates for the ban, including government officials, argue that it is a necessary measure to shield young users from harmful content and algorithms.
Although Reddit is complying with the new legislation, the company intends to contest the policy, citing its significant implications for privacy and political rights. This legal challenge follows a similar one from two Australian teenagers who are also appealing to the High Court, asserting that the ban infringes on their constitutional right to freedom of communication regarding government and political matters.
In a statement on its website, Reddit expressed concern, indicating that the law, despite its good intentions, fails to effectively achieve its aims. “There are more effective ways for the Australian government to accomplish our shared goal of protecting youth,” the company remarked.
Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, has stated that the government will remain resolute in its position and not be influenced by legal threats from large tech companies. “On behalf of Australian parents, we will stand firm,” she declared in a parliamentary session following the announcement of the initial legal challenge.
The ban, which has attracted international attention, is seen by some as a worrying overreach that may not effectively address the issues it aims to solve. Critics argue that a blanket prohibition on social media is neither practical nor beneficial. As the dialogue continues, this legal battle may shape the future landscape of online interactions for younger Australians and set a precedent for similar regulations globally.