Reddit has launched a legal challenge against Australia’s new under-16 social media restrictions, arguing that the policy undermines free political expression and places broad obligations on platforms with global reach. The filing, submitted to the High Court on Friday, marks the second major attempt to overturn the law since it took effect on December 10.
In its application, Reddit described the measure as “invalid on the ground that it infringes the implied freedom of political communication,” according to the court document signed by lawyers Perry Herzfeld and Jackson Wherrett. The case names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants.
A spokesperson for Wells said the government would “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media,” but declined to comment further as the case proceeds. Canberra has previously signaled that it is prepared to defend the legislation against any challenge.
Australia became the first country to enforce a legally binding age threshold for social media access, requiring platforms to keep out users under 16 or face penalties that can reach A$49.5 million. Major companies including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Reddit contested the proposal for more than a year before ultimately agreeing to comply. Underage users and their guardians are not subject to fines.
Technology firms say they are relying on tools such as age inference, which assesses likely age based on online behavior, and age estimation using selfies, to meet the requirements. Yet Reddit warned in a public statement that the law “carries some serious privacy and political expression issues for everyone on the internet” and confirmed that it is seeking a full review by the High Court.
The 12 page filing argues that blocking users under 16 restricts their ability to participate in early political discussion, noting that “Australian citizens under the age of 16 will, within years if not months, become electors.” The company said those future voters need access to online forums to help shape their views before adulthood.
This action follows a separate challenge filed last month by two teenagers supported by a libertarian state lawmaker, with a hearing scheduled for February. A person familiar with Reddit’s case said the company has no plans to join other parties contesting the ban.
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