Reddit Challenges Australia's Social Media Ban for Teens

Reddit has initiated a legal challenge against Australia's new legislation that bans social media access for users under the age of 16. The move comes just two days after the law was enacted, with Reddit arguing that it violates the implied freedom of political communication outlined in the Australian constitution.

The company expressed its agreement with the necessity to protect minors but criticized the law for potentially enforcing intrusive verification processes, which could isolate teens from age-appropriate online communities.

According to Breitbart News, Reddit's platform primarily serves adults, with advertising not targeted at users under 18. The Australian Human Rights Commission has noted that less restrictive measures could better safeguard children without infringing on other rights.

Reddit has implemented age-assurance measures to comply with the law while also arguing for its exclusion from the ban due to its focus on knowledge-sharing rather than traditional social media interactions.

The legal challenge is separate from another filed by the Digital Freedom Project, with both cases expected to be heard in court next year.