On Friday, Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s High Court, challenging the nation’s newly implemented ban on social media access for anyone under 16. The San Francisco-based platform argues this world-first law intrudes on free political communication and user privacy.
The ban, rolled out just two days ago, prohibits under-16s from accessing social media platforms. In its filing, Reddit argues the law “carries some serious privacy and political expression issues for everyone on the internet.”
Reddit’s case rests on the implied freedom of political communication in Australia’s constitution. The company points out that citizens under 16 will soon be electors, and their political choices depend on the dialogue they engage in before turning 18.
Even if the court upholds the ban, Reddit claims it should be exempt because it doesn’t meet the legal definition of social media. The Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells are named as defendants.
A spokesperson for Minister Wells said the government stands “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms,” and will “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media.”
Health Minister Mark Butler accused Reddit of prioritizing profits over young people’s rights, likening the lawsuit to Big Tobacco’s fights against public health measures. “We will fight this action every step of the way,” he told reporters.
With its $44 billion market cap, Reddit brings significant resources to the fight, which could stretch into 2026 or beyond. If successful, Reddit’s challenge may inspire other tech companies to mount similar legal battles, reshaping global debates on youth, privacy and online expression.
As countries around the world reconsider the role of social media in young people’s lives, the outcome of this case will be watched closely by digital rights advocates, policymakers and the platforms themselves.
Reference(s):
Free speech at risk: Reddit sues Australia over social media ban
cgtn.com
