Reddit Files Legal Challenge Against Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban: Privacy and Freedom Concerns Raised

Reddit has initiated legal proceedings against Australia's newly implemented social media ban for users under 16, with the company filing a challenge just days after the groundbreaking legislation took effect.

Earlier this week, Australia became the first nation globally to prohibit underage users from accessing numerous popular digital platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X.

Under this new legislation, technology companies face potential penalties of AUS$49.5 million (US$33 million) if they fail to remove Australia-based users younger than 16 years old from their platforms.

In its court submission, US-based Reddit, a discussion forum comprising thousands of diverse communities, contests the overall validity of the law. The company argues it should be excluded from the government's list of banned platforms because it "is not an age-restricted" application.

Reddit further claimed that the legislation "infringes the implied freedom of political communication" and has requested a review by Australia's High Court.

A spokesperson for Reddit stated that the government had applied inconsistent criteria when determining which platforms should be subject to the ban, noting that some applications with significant under-16 user populations remain exempt.

Currently, platforms like Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are not covered by the ban, though government officials have emphasized that this exemption list remains under ongoing review.

The spokesperson emphasized that Reddit functions primarily as an online discussion forum intended for adults, distinguishing it from platforms driven by algorithms and social engagement metrics.

They also expressed serious concerns regarding privacy implications related to age verification methods and the collection of personal data, suggesting these processes increase vulnerability to potential data breaches or hacking incidents.

Prior to the ban's implementation on December 10, Reddit had indicated it would comply with the Australian legislation despite considering it "legally erroneous."

An Australian government spokesperson responded by stating that authorities are "on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms."

They added: "We will stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media."

Reddit's legal challenge exists separately from another case filed by an internet rights group last month, which similarly seeks to overturn the laws, arguing they represent an "unfair" restriction on freedom of speech.

Australia's social media restrictions are being monitored closely worldwide, particularly by countries like New Zealand and Malaysia that are considering comparable measures.

The Australian government acknowledges that the ban will not be flawlessly implemented initially and that tech-savvy teenagers will likely find ways to circumvent the restrictions.

Nevertheless, authorities maintain that unprecedented measures are necessary to shield children from "predatory algorithms" that expose them to bullying, sexual content, and violence.