Reddit Challenges Australia's Social Media Ban for Teens in Court

Reddit has initiated a legal challenge against Australia's new social media ban that prohibits users under 16 from creating accounts on major platforms, including Reddit, TikTok, and Facebook. The lawsuit was filed in the country's highest court just days after the law went into effect, arguing that it infringes on the freedom of political communication for teenagers.

According to Gizmodo, two Australian teenagers have also filed a separate lawsuit on similar grounds, emphasizing that the law aims to protect minors from harmful online content like cyberbullying and eating disorders.

However, Reddit contends that the legislation restricts teens from engaging in age-appropriate online communities and is arbitrary in its enforcement, especially since other platforms, like Roblox, are exempt from this law.

The law mandates age-verification technology to ensure compliance, with potential fines for platforms that fail to do so. As this legal battle unfolds, it raises critical questions about youth access to social media and the implications for similar laws being considered in other countries, such as Denmark and Malaysia.

The Australian government has stated it will not comment further on the lawsuit due to the ongoing legal proceedings, while Reddit's position emphasizes its commitment to an open internet and the accessibility of information for young users.