The constitutional challenge against the world-first restrictions was officially launched by Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project nearly a year after enforcement began. Opponents point to research suggesting youth usage has persisted regardless of the mandates, leaving unregistered minors without platform safety protections. Regulators and the government defend the restrictions as vital defenses against graphic material and predatory behavior. Beyond this court battle, Australian officials are seeking separate measures that permit users to bypass algorithmic feeds.
Key points
Challengers argue the restriction unconstitutionally limits minors from accessing news co…: Challengers argue the restriction unconstitutionally limits minors from accessing news coverage and participating in political discourse.
The government and the eSafety Commissioner maintain the mandates are required to protect…: The government and the eSafety Commissioner maintain the mandates are required to protect youth from online predators.
Meta is independently facing an Australian class action lawsuit regarding allegations tha…: Meta is independently facing an Australian class action lawsuit regarding allegations that addictive design features harmed underage users.
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Online giant Reddit and advocacy group Digital Freedom Project argue ban is unconstitutional.
Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s faces its first major legal test in the High Court, almost one year after taking effect.
The challenge was brought on Tuesday by online platform Reddit and Australian advocacy group Digital Freedom Project.
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Reddit has highlighted a number of issues in its written submission to the court, pointing to problems enforcing the ban and a lack of scientific evidence about the harms of social media.
“The evidence so far is that the effectiveness of the ban has been limited,” Reddit’s submission reads.
Social media companies were forced to delete millions of accounts after Australia banned those aged below 16 from the likes of Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Reddit last December.
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