Reddit asks Australia's High Court to overturn under-16 social media ban

Reddit has mounted a legal challenge in the Australian High Court to overturn the nation's social media ban for children under 16. Australia became the first country to enact the restriction in late 2025 after passing the law in 2024, with rules taking effect on December 10, 2025. Partnering with a libertarian advocacy group, Reddit argued before the court that the policy amounts to an ill-thought-out, inept measure that severely curtails political debate. [1][2]

In court arguments, Reddit contended the rules hinder young people from posting or creating content while failing to stop minors from viewing material when logged out, leaving unaddressed platforms like gaming websites where cyberbullying also occurs. Studies have already indicated that teenagers easily bypass restrictions using tools like VPN services, or encounter sites that have not enforced the limits. In response, Australia raised its maximum non-compliance fine to AU$99 million (roughly $69.5 million or £51.5 million) and broadened discovery powers for the eSafety Commissioner. [1]

Australian officials have vowed to protect the mandate against what Communications Minister Anika Wells described as a sustained ideological attack. Government lawyer Joanna Davidson argued that developing brains make children uniquely vulnerable to online harm, and regulators are now preparing enforcement actions against several major platforms. [1]