Reddit and libertarian group challenge Australia’s under-16s social media ban in high court

Social network and Digital Freedom Project, led by NSW state MP John Ruddick, seek to overturn ban on grounds of implied freedom of political communication

Australia’s world-leading under-16s social media ban will face its first major legal challenge on Tuesday, as Reddit and an advocacy group headed by a libertarian politician seek to overturn the law in the high court.

Nearly 11 months ago, 10 platforms – Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Kick, X, Twitch and Threads – were required to deactivate or suspend the accounts of users they determined to be aged under 16 years.

Since then, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has said more than 5m accounts across the 10 services have been suspended as part of the ban.