Reddit challenges Australia’s under-16 social media ban in High Court

Reddit has mounted a constitutional challenge to Australia’s landmark ban on social media access for children under 16, arguing before the High Court that the legislation unlawfully curtails political communication and wrongly categorises the platform as a conventional social media service.

In proceedings filed with the country’s apex court, the San Francisco-based company contends that the law, which came into force on December 10, impermissibly burdens the implied freedom of political communication recognised under Australia’s constitution. Reddit submits that by preventing minors from participating in online forums where public affairs and political matters are routinely discussed, the legislation restricts the ability of young Australians to engage in civic discourse and develop polit