Australia's Social Media Ban for Kids Faces Challenges

Reddit has launched a High Court challenge against Australia's new social media ban for children under 16. The ban, which came into effect recently, requires social media platforms to bar users under 16 or face fines. Reddit is complying with the ban but argues that it infringes on privacy and political rights. The challenge is the second to be heard by the High Court, with two Australian teens also contesting the ban on the grounds that it is unconstitutional. The ban has been criticized by some for being too broad and for potentially isolating young people from online communities. The Australian government has defended the ban, saying it is necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms.

Australia has implemented a social media ban for teenagers under 16, with major apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook complying. The ban, championed by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, aims to reduce social media addiction and promote healthier digital habits among children. The legislation was inspired by Malinauskas' wife, who read 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, prompting her to urge him to take action. The ban puts the onus on social media companies to verify users' ages, with penalties of up to $33 million for non-compliance. While some teens are challenging the law in court, officials from other countries are taking note, with Malaysia set to follow suit in 2026.

Reddit has launched a legal challenge against Australia's new law banning social media for teens under 16, arguing that it is ineffective and restricts political discussion online. The platform claims that the law burdens political communication and isolates teens from age-appropriate community experiences. Reddit is seeking to either declare the law invalid or exclude itself from its provisions. The law, which came into effect recently, targets 10 major social media services and requires them to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent underage access using age-verification methods. Reddit argues that it operates differently from traditional social networks, facilitating 'knowledge sharing' between users, and that most of its content is accessible without an account.

Australia's new legislation banning social media for under-16s has come into effect, but many teenagers have found ways to circumvent the age detection technology. Some teens have created new accounts using their parents' or older friends' identities, while others have used AI-generated pictures and videos to evade detection. The ban has sparked debate, with some arguing it will protect children from online abuse and others claiming it will stifle creativity and entrepreneurship. Teenagers who spoke to CNN expressed concerns about losing access to social media, which they use to connect with friends, access news, and build their businesses.

Reddit has filed a court challenge to Australia's new law banning children under 16 from holding accounts on popular social media platforms. The law, which came into effect recently, imposes fines of up to $32.9 million on non-compliant platforms. Reddit argues that the law infringes on Australia's implied freedom of political communication and has serious privacy and political expression issues. The company claims that the law will force intrusive verification processes on adults and minors, isolate teens from age-appropriate community experiences, and create an illogical patchwork of included and excluded platforms. The Australian government has declined to comment on the merits of Reddit's challenge, stating that it will stand firm to protect young Australians from harm on social media. The law's enforcer, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, has sent notices to 10 age-restricted platforms, demanding data on their compliance. Experts say policing age restrictions in the rapidly evolving social media landscape is challenging.