Only hours after Australia’s new social-media age-limit laws came into effect, the first International legal challenges have begun, with Reddit preparing to lead the initial fight for global social media Companies impacted by the ban.

Backed by top-tier law firm Thomson Geer, Reddit is expected to lodge its lawsuit within days, setting the stage for a major High Court battle involving platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, Kick, X, YouTube and Reddit itself.

The challenge targets Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s flagship policy, which Communications Minister Anika Wells—already under intense scrutiny after spending more than $100,000 on a trip to spruik the reforms at the United Nations in New York.

This potential blockbuster court showdown comes less than 24 hours before the Albanese government’s youth social-media ban took effect today.

Anika Wells

The $US44 billion ($67 billion) platform has enlisted senior counsel Perry Herzfeld, SC, for the case, marking what may become a significant obstacle for the new legislation.

Another legal challenge has already been mounted by the Digital Freedom Project. NSW Libertarian Party MLC John Ruddick filed the action two weeks ago on behalf of 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland. The case names the Commonwealth of Australia, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant, and Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells as defendants.

The Digital Freedom Project argues the ban infringes on teenagers’ freedom of political communication. The group is represented by barrister Simon White, SC, and law firm Pryor Tzannes and Wallis.

Initially, Reddit declined to comment, but later stated: “The only decision we’ve made is to comply with the law,” giving no certainty it will proceed with a challenge. Thomson Geer and Herzfeld did not respond to requests for comment.

After a year of preparation, extensive consultations, millions spent on public campaigns, and petitions from teenagers—some threatening mass unfollows of the prime minister—the minimum age for social-media accounts in Australia has now risen from 13 to 16 as of December 10.

“You know better than anyone what it’s like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that,” Albanese said in a recorded message to schoolchildren on Monday evening. “That’s why we’ve taken this step to support you.”

He has also written to state and territory leaders thanking them for backing the reforms.

Ten major platforms are covered under the new law: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, Kick, X, YouTube and Reddit. The legislation carries penalties of up to $49.5 million for breaches and passed with bipartisan support in November last year amid a heated national campaign to protect children from harmful online content.

Reddit’s action would be the second challenge to the youth social-media ban, but with 3.7 million monthly Australian users and far greater financial resources than the earlier challengers, its case would signal a significant confrontation between the federal government and big tech.

If Reddit proceeds and succeeds, every affected platform would benefit.

ChannelNews understands Reddit previously held discussions with other social-media companies about mounting a joint legal action.

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian—married to tennis champion Serena Williams—has publicly stated that he bans social media for his own two daughters. Earlier this year, he told Instagram followers he wasn’t surprised that governments were moving to restrict online access for younger teens.

“I’m not waiting for a law to make that call,” he said. “If more of us just said ‘not yet’, it’d probably be a lot healthier for our kids.”

Reddit has assembled a formidable legal team. Herzfeld, co-author of a leading legal textbook on statutory interpretation, previously represented US commentator Candace Owens in her unsuccessful High Court challenge after she was denied an Australian visa.

Thomson Geer, meanwhile, is one of the most experienced firms in challenging eSafety rulings. It previously represented X in contesting an order to remove graphic footage of a stabbing attack on Assyrian Christian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel in Sydney’s west last year—a case the regulator ultimately abandoned.