Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court of Australia against the country’s new law banning children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The case is among the first tests of the world-leading policy, which came into effect this week and requires platforms to block or remove accounts for under-16s or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (about US$33 million).
In its court filing, Reddit said it agrees with the goal of protecting young people but argues the law has serious privacy and political expression implications and is being applied inaccurately to its platform. The company contends that the legislation forces “intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors,” creates an “illogical patchwork” of covered platforms, and isolates teens from age-appropriate online communities, including forums used for political discussion. Reddit also argues it should be exempt because its primary function is as an online discussion forum rather than a social network under the legal definition.
Reddit said it is complying with the law while seeking judicial review and is not challenging the measure simply to avoid compliance or retain underage users. The platform noted that most of its Australian users are adults and that it does not target advertising at those under 18.
The Australian government has defended the ban as a necessary child safety measure and said it will stand “firm to protect young Australians,” while noting the matter is before the courts. A preliminary High Court hearing to set a date for a related challenge, filed by teenage plaintiffs backed by the Digital Freedom Project, is expected in early 2026.
Australia launches world-first social media ban for under-16s
