Australia’s High Court is due to hear two challenges to the country’s ban on social media access for children under 16, with hearings set to begin on Tuesday and run for two days. The cases will test the landmark policy, introduced last December as part of the government’s broader online safety measures.
The Digital Freedom Project argues that the ban deprives children of their right to communicate freely. The constitutional challenge was filed shortly before the measure took effect on 10 December. It is led by New South Wales parliamentarian John Ruddick. Two teenagers who initially brought the case, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, have since withdrawn as plaintiffs, although Jones is expected to attend the hearing.
Reddit’s separate challenge will be heard alongside the group’s case. The company argues that the law has serious implications for privacy and political rights. Reddit says it supports efforts to protect young people online, but believes there are more effective alternatives. It has said it will continue to comply with the law while challenging it in court.
The policy requires 10 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Snapchat, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from accessing their services. Serious or repeated breaches can carry fines of up to A$99m, but no company has been fined since the ban began.
The eSafety Commissioner has opened investigations into alleged non-compliance by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. WhatsApp, gaming services such as Roblox and Discord, and education platforms including YouTube Kids and Google Classroom are not covered by the ban.
Supporters say the restriction shields children from harmful content, while critics argue it is too broad and that efforts should instead focus on improving online safety. Meta, which owns three of the affected platforms, said it closed about half a million accounts in the first days of the ban. Some children reported losing access, while others said they had been able to get around age checks involving credit card details, photo identification or a selfie.
Sources: BBC News World.