Reddit challenges Australia’s social media ban for children in High Court

Australia’s landmark ban on social media use by children is facing a constitutional challenge, with Reddit and a digital rights group arguing that the legislation restricts freedom of political expression and communication.

The challenge was heard by the High Court in Canberra on Tuesday, with opponents describing the reforms, introduced on 10 December last year, as rushed and poorly considered.

Reddit’s lawyer, Perry Herzfeld, argued that the ban deprived children of access to one of the most important means of communication and was introduced without proper public consultation. The company also raised concerns about its implications for privacy and political rights.

The Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales parliamentarian John Ruddick, separately argued that the legislation amounted to censorship. Two teenagers who initially supported the case have since withdrawn as plaintiffs.

Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the policy, saying the government was protecting children from online harm. Reddit said it shared that objective but believed more effective alternatives were available.

The case represents a major legal test for Australia’s world-leading restrictions, introduced as part of wider efforts to improve online safety.

via BBC