By TheDailyNewsHub Reporter
Australia’s High Court has heard legal challenges seeking to overturn the country’s world-first ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16, as technology companies and civil liberties advocates question the constitutionality of the restrictions.
The two-day hearing, which began on Tuesday, November 3, and continued on Wednesday, November 4, involves separate challenges brought by online platform Reddit and Australian advocacy group Digital Freedom Project.
The law, which came into effect in December 2025, requires major social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
The restrictions cover Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, Kick and Twitch.
The challengers argue that the legislation violates Australia’s constitutionally implied freedom of political communication by preventing young people from participating in online discussions, accessing information and engaging in civic activities.
Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales parliamentarian John Ruddick, argues that the government could have adopted less restrictive measures to protect children without imposing a blanket age-based restriction.
Reddit has separately challenged its inclusion among the restricted platforms, arguing that its service should not be treated in the same way as other social media networks. It also raised concerns about privacy, freedom of expression and the effectiveness of the legislation.
The Australian government has defended the law, arguing that it is a necessary measure to protect children from online harms associated with social media platforms.
Government lawyers told the court that features such as algorithm-driven content recommendations, endless scrolling and engagement-based systems expose children to risks including anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and harmful content.
They maintained that the restrictions impose only a limited burden on political communication because young people can still access online information without holding accounts on the affected platforms.
The government also argued that social media companies have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from accessing restricted accounts.
Since the legislation took effect, nearly five million accounts have reportedly been blocked across the affected platforms. However, research has indicated that some children continue to access restricted services by bypassing age-verification measures.
The case has attracted international attention as other governments consider similar restrictions on children’s social media use. The debate also comes amid wider concerns about the risks of emerging digital technologies, including the growing use of artificial intelligence in online activities
The High Court concluded its hearing on Wednesday and reserved its decision. No date has been announced for the judgment, meaning the ban remains in force while the court considers the constitutional arguments.
The outcome could have implications beyond Australia, particularly for countries considering age-based restrictions as part of efforts to improve children’s online safety.