CANBERRA :Online discussion platform Reddit has launched a legal challenge to Australia’s new social media ban for users under 16, just days after the legislation came into force. The country became the first to impose an across-the-board age restriction on major platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X.
Under the law, tech companies must block or remove Australia-based users under the age threshold or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, equivalent to about 33 million US dollars.
In filings submitted to Australia’s High Court, US-based Reddit argued that the legislation is invalid and that it should not be classified as a banned platform because it is not designed as an age-restricted app. It said the law interferes with the implied freedom of political communication and should undergo constitutional review.
Reddit also contended that the government has applied the rules inconsistently. Platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp remain exempt, even though they have substantial under-16 user communities. The government has said the exemption list is still under review.
The company stressed that Reddit functions primarily as an adult-oriented discussion forum rather than an algorithm-driven social engagement platform. It warned that the age verification requirements raise significant privacy concerns, since gathering sensitive personal data could heighten the risk of breaches or misuse.
Before the ban took effect on December 10, Reddit had signalled it would comply but described the legislation as legally flawed.
An Australian government spokesperson said the authorities remain focused on protecting children from online harm and would not shift their position.
Reddit’s challenge follows a separate case filed in November by an internet rights group seeking to overturn the ban, calling it an unfair infringement on freedom of expression.
The legislation is being closely watched in countries considering similar restrictions, including New Zealand and Malaysia. Australian officials accept that enforcement will be imperfect at first but argue that bold action is needed to shield young users from harmful content and manipulative online mechanisms.
Reddit is contesting Australia's under-16 social media ban in the High Court, arguing the law is flawed and inconsistently applied. The platform highlights privacy concerns over age verification and claims the legislation infringes on political communication freedoms. The case is being watched by other countries considering similar measures.