Reddit Challenges Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban in Court

Reddit has taken legal action against Australia’s world first ban on social media accounts for children under 16, arguing that the policy restricts young people’s freedom to participate in political discussions and may not effectively protect them from online harm.

The challenge began on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as Australia’s High Court opened a two day hearing into separate constitutional cases brought by Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project, a digital rights advocacy group led by New South Wales politician John Ruddick.

The law, which came into effect on December 10, 2025, requires major social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. The restrictions cover 10 platforms, including Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Threads, Twitch and Kick. According to Australian broadcaster ABC News, nearly five million accounts have been blocked across the affected services since the ban began.

Representing Reddit, lawyer Perry Herzfeld told the court that the legislation places a significant restriction on political communication by preventing teenagers from posting, commenting, organising and engaging in online discussions. The company argues that social media platforms have become important sources of news and political information, meaning the restrictions could limit young people’s ability to participate in public debates.

Reddit has also questioned whether it should be covered by the law, arguing that its platform does not rely on some features commonly associated with social media, such as networks of friends. It further maintains that young people can still access much of the content on social media platforms without logging in, meaning the ban does not necessarily prevent exposure to harmful material.

The company says it supports the government’s goal of improving online safety but believes there are more effective ways to achieve it, including regulating specific harmful features rather than imposing a broad age-based restriction.

The Australian government, however, is defending the legislation, arguing that children are particularly vulnerable to harmful online content and features designed to keep users engaged for long periods. Officials say the restrictions are intended to reduce exposure to online predators, graphic material and potentially addictive algorithms.

The legal challenge also raises broader questions about freedom of political communication under Australia’s Constitution. The plaintiffs argue that the law places an unreasonable burden on that freedom, while the government maintains that any impact is limited and justified by the need to protect children.

The High Court’s decision could have implications beyond Australia, as other countries consider similar restrictions on young people’s access to social media. The hearings are scheduled to continue on Wednesday, with the court expected to examine whether the law is constitutionally valid and whether Reddit should be covered by its requirements.