Reddit challenges Australia's ban on under-16s using social media
What's the story
Reddit has filed a lawsuit against Australia's new rule banning users under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The US-based company argues that the law would severely restrict political participation and discussion among young Australians. The ban, which came into effect on December 10, requires platforms to block underage users or face heavy fines. Reddit is challenging the policy to safeguard digital access for teenagers across Australia.
Legal arguments
Lawsuit emphasizes political discourse and free speech
The lawsuit highlights that the law violates implied freedom of political communication and restricts young people's participation in public discourse. "Australian citizens under the age of 16 will, within years if not months, become electors. The choices to be made by those citizens will be informed by political communication in which they engage prior to the age of 18," Reddit said in its statement.
New law
1st legally enforced minimum age for social media
Australia became the first country to enforce a legally binding minimum age for social media use on December 10. Reddit and nine other major platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, opposed the rule for over a year before finally agreeing to comply. The law requires platforms to block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.98 million).
Compliance measures
Platforms' compliance and verification tools
To comply with the law, companies are using age inference tools that analyze online behavior and age estimation technologies that use a selfie to verify age people. Reddit's lawsuit is separate from another one filed by an internet rights group last month, also challenging the law on free speech grounds.