Reddit Challenges Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban in High Court, Calls Law 'Ill-Thought-Out'

Reddit's legal team told Australia's High Court on Tuesday that the government's rush to pass its under-16 social media ban in 2024 produced 'ill-thought-out, over-broad legislation' that has since been narrowed after the company sued. Reddit, one of the world's top 10 most visited websites, argues the law impinges on the implied freedom of political communication for Australians under 16. The challenge marks a significant test of how far governments can restrict minors' access to online platforms without infringing constitutional freedoms. Reddit contends the ban was hastily enacted and has already required amendments, underscoring concerns about the law's practical impact on young people's ability to engage in political discourse. The case could set a precedent for digital rights and age-based regulation in Australia and beyond. As the High Court weighs the arguments, the outcome may reshape the future of social media access for teens.