Reddit Kicks Off High Court Challenge To Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Reddit has launched a legal bid to challenge Australia’s new rule that blocks children under 16 from using major social media platforms. The move comes only days after millions of young users were removed from ten of the country’s most used apps.

This filing represents the second challenge to reach the High Court. Reddit argues that the ban interferes with political communication and exposes users to unnecessary privacy risks.

The US-based forum was one of ten platforms placed on the restricted list, which also includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Threads, Kick and Twitch. Under the policy, all listed companies must actively identify and close accounts that belong to users under 16 or face penalties of up to 49.5 million dollars.

Although Reddit confirmed earlier in the week that it would follow the law, the company has described the policy as legally flawed.

The action coincides with an earlier challenge launched in November by the advocacy organisation Digital Freedom Project. That case names two teenagers, Macy Neyland and Noah Jones, as plaintiffs.

Attorney generals from New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia have already voiced their intention to back the Federal Government as it prepares its defence.

John Ruddick, who leads the Digital Freedom Project and serves as a member of the New South Wales parliament, said he expects the High Court may decide to deal with both challenges in a joint hearing because they raise similar concerns.

According to Mr Ruddick, the organisation has had no direct contact with Reddit but believes the two matters will almost certainly proceed together once the court gives directions.

Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue will represent the Commonwealth, which secured an early advantage when the Digital Freedom Project withdrew its application for an injunction last week. That injunction would have temporarily prevented the ban from being enforced.

The court has set a special hearing between the advocacy group and the Commonwealth for 2026, with a directions hearing scheduled for February 25. A date for Reddit’s initial hearing has not yet been confirmed.