Reddit has filed a legal challenge against Australia's new law banning social media access for those under 16, arguing it imposes intrusive verification and limits free expression. The San Francisco-based company announced the High Court action on Thursday, shortly after implementing age verification measures to comply with the legislation that took effect on Tuesday. The ban targets platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance.
Australia became the first country to enact a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16 when the law went into effect on Tuesday. The legislation requires platforms to prevent access using age-assurance technologies such as facial analysis, voice checks, or account activity assessments. Social media companies face fines of up to $33 million AUD if they fail to enforce the restrictions.
Reddit, which initially appeared compliant, reversed course by announcing a High Court challenge on Thursday. In a statement posted to X, the company said the law "has the unfortunate effect of forcing intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors, isolating teens from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences." Earlier, Reddit described the legislation as "arbitrary, legally erroneous, and goes far beyond the original intent of the Australian Parliament," while noting exemptions for other platforms.
Prior to the challenge, Reddit implemented age verification in Australia on Tuesday, using an age prediction model for new and existing users. Those predicted under 16 must provide government ID or a selfie for verification, with accounts suspended if underage. The company promised secure storage of age data, not sharing it with advertisers or brokers. Globally, users under 18 now face modified app experiences: no access to NSFW content, stricter chat settings, disabled ad personalization, and no sensitive ads like those for alcohol or gambling.
The ban, inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation, exempts gaming platforms like Discord and educational tools like YouTube Kids, as well as AI chatbots such as ChatGPT. Other companies are complying: TikTok noted the restrictions may upset users, Meta is removing under-16 accounts, and Snapchat plans to boot nearly half a million Australian children. X owner Elon Musk criticized the law in 2024 as a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet."
Two 15-year-olds, backed by the Digital Freedom Project, are also challenging the ban in the High Court, arguing it sacrifices freedom of expression for teens. Donna Rice Hughes, CEO of Enough is Enough, praised Australia's approach, saying Big Tech's failure to prioritize child safety necessitated government intervention. She told CNET, "The carrot approach of voluntary industry efforts... hasn't worked."
Several countries, including Denmark and France, are monitoring the ban's effectiveness.
