Reddit launches High Court challenge over inclusion in Australia's under-16 social media ban

Reddit has launched a High Court challenge seeking to overturn its inclusion in Australia's new social media restrictions, arguing the laws have been incorrectly applied to the platform.

The forum-based site is one of 10 platforms required to stop Australians under 16 from creating or holding accounts under world-first legislation that took effect on Wednesday. Platforms face penalties of up to $49.5 million if they fail to take "reasonable steps" to prevent under-age access.

While Reddit says it is complying with the laws, the US-based company argues its inclusion is "arbitrary" and "legally erroneous". In its filing, Reddit claims it is not an age-restricted app, does not operate like traditional social media, and that the law infringes Australia's implied freedom of political communication.

The company also warns the legislation forces "intrusive and potentially insecure" age-verification processes on adults as well as minors, and creates "an illogical patchwork" of which platforms are covered and which are not.

Reddit maintains it is primarily an adult forum without features the government has targeted in its reforms. Content on Reddit is largely accessible without an account, and the platform says it does not target or market to users under 18.

The government has defended the laws as a vital protection for young people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the changes would make an "enormous difference" by helping ensure children can "have their childhood". A government spokesperson said it will remain "on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms", but declined to comment further while proceedings are before the courts.

The challenge is the second lodged in the High Court, following a separate claim by NSW Libertarian MP John Ruddick's Digital Freedom Project that the laws restrict political communication.

Reddit argues that the Act only requires platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts, not to block access to content that can be viewed without logging in - a point it says was acknowledged in the government's own explanatory memorandum.

The company also disputes the classification of Reddit as a "social media" service, citing dictionary definitions of the term. It says the platform is designed for knowledge-sharing and topic-based discussion, not interpersonal social interaction, and differs significantly from sites that encourage friendships, photo-sharing or event organisation.

Reddit stresses the case is not an attempt to retain young users, stating that under-16s are not a significant market segment and that it does not advertise to them. It says it remains committed to cooperating with the government and believes there are more effective and less intrusive ways to protect young people online.