Reddit claims it is different from other social networks in its legal challenge to Australia’s social media prohibition

Reddit Challenges Australia’s Social Media Ban for Minors

Reddit, one of the world’s most prominent online communities, is contesting Australia’s recent legislation that prohibits individuals under 16 from accessing social media. The company is positioning itself as fundamentally different from traditional social networks, seeking to overturn the law in Australia’s highest court.

In its legal challenge, Reddit asserts that the ban, which took effect on December 10, restricts young people’s ability to participate in political conversations online and therefore undermines free expression. The company contends that the law should be invalidated on these grounds.

Should the court uphold the legislation, Reddit argues that it should not be subject to the restrictions, claiming it does not fit the legal definition of a “social media platform.”

The case has prompted the High Court to consider broader questions about the scope of the law, which mandates that ten major digital services disable accounts for users under 16 and block their access. Detractors of the law say it violates children’s rights, and tech companies have raised concerns about how “social media” is defined within the legislation.

Reddit describes itself as “a network of public forums organized by topic,” and in its court submission, it referenced dictionary definitions of “social” to argue that facilitating personal interactions is not a primary or significant function of its platform.

According to Reddit’s filing, “The platform is designed for users to discuss content posted on the site and to share knowledge with others. Unlike other platforms where users connect as ‘friends,’ share personal photos, or coordinate events, Reddit’s main purpose is not to foster personal relationships or social interactions between individuals.”

In a related statement, Reddit administrator LastBluejay highlighted that the law introduces “serious concerns regarding privacy and freedom of political expression for all internet users.”

“Although we support efforts to safeguard those under 16, this legislation unfortunately imposes invasive and potentially insecure verification measures on both adults and minors. It also risks isolating teenagers from valuable, age-appropriate community participation—including political engagement—and results in inconsistent rules about which platforms are covered,” the statement explained.

Reddit further notes that much of the content on social platforms is publicly viewable, and argues that allowing minors to have accounts—subject to appropriate restrictions—would offer better protection than outright bans.