Reddit has filed a case in the High Court of Australia challenging the newly implemented under-16 social media ban. This is the first significant platform-level opposition to the legislation that took effect on 10 December 2025.

As per the new law, any individual under 16 is banned from holding an account on social media platforms. Companies must have age-verification systems and take “reasonable steps” to block access for minors or risk penalties up to A$49.5 million. Two teenagers, supported by a libertarian group, had already taken the law to court last week, making Reddit the second legal challenger but the first major tech company in a row. Reddit filed its action on 11 December, arguing that the legislation is unconstitutional and incorrectly categorises the platform.

Also Read: Microsoft Doubles Down on India With Massive $17.5 Billion AI & Cloud Plan

Reddit’s Key Arguments

In its filing, Reddit outlines that, “the ban infringes on Australia’s implied freedom of political communication. Restricting access to users under 16 cuts young Australians off from political discourse that shapes civic awareness”.
The company also contends it does not fit the legal definition of “social media, arguing that Reddit operates primarily as a topic-based discussion forum rather than a traditional social networking service. Reddit further raised concerns over mandated age-verification tools, stating that verification methods could be intrusive, insecure, and potentially harmful to user privacy, affecting adults as well as minors.

Also Read: A Robot That Knows Exactly How You Feel? NIT Rourkela’s Low-Cost Innovation Is Going Viral

Government’s Position and Next Steps

The Australian government has defended the law, saying it prioritises the safety and mental health of children online and will vigorously contest all the lawsuits.
The High Court will now decide whether to proceed with a full hearing, a ruling that could influence future global standards on age-based digital access, privacy, and platform regulation.