Reddit launches High Court challenge against social media ban
Updated . First published at
Reddit has launched a High Court challenge against Australia's social media ban for children aged under 16.
The US-based company confirmed it had filed the challenge this morning, arguing the ban both infringes on political communication and should not apply to the popular, public forum website in the first place.
"This law has the unfortunate effect of forcing intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors, isolating teens from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions), and creating an illogical patchwork of which platforms are included and which aren't," it posted.
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Reddit is challenging Australia's social media ban in court. Supplied/Reddit
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"Even the eSafety commissioner said the law's approach is not what she preferred. Many leading organisations and many of our own users have raised similar concerns.
"As the Australian Human Rights Commission put it, 'There are less restrictive alternatives available that could achieve the aim of protecting children and young people from online harms, but without having such a significant negative impact on other human rights'.
"Lastly, this law is applied to Reddit inaccurately, since we're a forum primarily for adults and we don't have the traditional social media features the government has taken issue with."
The company, which says it is complying with the ban, also pointed to the fact it had a 17-plus age rating on the Apple App store before the new laws came into effect – although it still has a 12-plus rating on the Google Play store.
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Reddit is one of ten social media companies forced to keep young children off its platform under the ban. Getty
It also insisted its case is not about trying to keep young users for commercial reasons, nor an attempt to oppose child safety measures or regulation.
"There are more targeted, privacy-preserving measures to protect young people online without resorting to blanket bans," a spokesperson said.
"Despite the best intentions, this law is missing the mark on actually protecting young people online," they added.
"So, while we will comply with this law, we have a responsibility to share our perspective and see that it is reviewed by the courts."
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Reddit is one of ten platforms forced by the new laws, which came into effect on Wednesday, to stop under-16s accessing its site, alongside the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
Its legal challenge is the second major attempt to overturn the ban in the High Court, with a similar case from two teenagers and NSW Libertarian MP John Ruddick due to be heard next year.
In a statement, the federal government said it stands by its new laws.
"The Albanese government is on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms," a spokesperson said.
"We will stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media.
"The matter is before the courts so it is not appropriate to comment further."
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