US-based platform Reddit has filed a problem in Australia’s Excessive Courtroom looking for to overturn the nation’s world-first social media ban for under-16s, arguing the legislation infringes on free political speech and poses critical privateness dangers.
The corporate, which is complying with the laws whereas contesting it, argues the On-line Security Modification (Social Media Minimal Age) Act 2024 unconstitutionally restricts political communication by blocking younger Australians from taking part in on-line political discourse.
Reddit has filed a problem in Australia’s Excessive Courtroom looking for to overturn the nation’s world-first social media ban for under-16s.Credit score: Bloomberg
In its submitting seen by this masthead, Reddit argues “the political opinions of youngsters inform the electoral decisions of many present electors, together with their mother and father and their lecturers” and that stopping youngsters from speaking their views “instantly burdens political communication in Australia”.
The corporate additionally says the legislation is ineffective, noting that “an individual underneath the age of 16 could be extra simply protected against on-line hurt if they’ve an account, being the very factor that’s prohibited” as a result of accounts can have security settings utilized.
Reddit stated it was performing on behalf of its Australian customers, who’ve expressed issues about being compelled to submit authorities ID or facial scans to entry a platform constructed on pseudonymity. The corporate stated it had by no means collected age info earlier than and has needed to construct totally new verification techniques to conform.
The platform additionally argues it shouldn’t be captured by the legislation in any respect, given it operates as a public discussion board for adults moderately than a conventional social media community, with content material accessible with out an account.
A instructions listening to is predicted in February, with a ultimate judgment probably not arriving till late 2026.
The problem comes as a separate Excessive Courtroom motion backed by teen advocates additionally contests the laws.
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