Reddit has asked Australia’s High Court to strike down the country’s world-first ban on under-16s holding social media accounts, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. The first legal challenge to the legislation opened in Canberra this week, Reuters reported.
Reddit and a libertarian advocacy group say the ban violates an implied constitutional freedom of political communication.
Their lawyer, Perry Herzfeld, described the legislation as “ill thought out”, “inept” and a “profound restriction on political debate”.
The ban came into force in late 2025, requiring major platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Since then, the government has doubled the maximum penalty for breaches to A$99m ($69.5m).
It has also expanded the eSafety Commissioner’s powers to demand information and is preparing legal action to enforce the restrictions against major platforms.
Reddit says it supports efforts to protect children online but argues the legislation is ineffective. Herzfeld said the law does not specify clear steps platforms must take to keep minors off their services.
Also, it leaves out other online spaces where bullying takes place, including gaming platforms. Research by the eSafety Commissioner’s office has found that most under-16s continue to use social media.
The company also argues that it should not fall within the law’s scope. Reddit is organised around topic-based forums rather than networks of personal connections, and much of its content is accessible without an account.
The Australian government is defending the legislation, with communications minister Anika Wells named as a defendant.
Government lawyer Joanna Davidson told the seven High Court judges that children are more susceptible than adults to addictive platform features because their brains are still developing. She is due to continue her arguments on Wednesday.
Wells has said she will defend the ban while respecting the court’s decision. The High Court’s ruling will be final and cannot be appealed.
The case is attracting attention well beyond Australia. Governments across Europe and Asia are considering their own age restrictions, while social media companies face growing legal scrutiny over the effects of their platforms on teenagers. In the US, that includes lawsuits over social media addiction.