Reddit is suing in an Australian court to challenge a law banning social media for children under 16.

 

Following the implementation of a new law this week banning social media use by children under 16 in Australia, platform providers have responded. Reddit has filed a lawsuit with the Australian High Court, arguing that the law is being unfairly applied to them.

Reddit claims the law creates problems for both children and adults by requiring identity verification, potentially violating privacy and security. Furthermore, the law is vague in defining what constitutes a social media platform and what does not. Reddit is one of 10 platforms that fall under the definition of a social media platform, along with TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, X, Kick, and Threads. However, Reddit states that the lawsuit is a matter of law enforcement and that the company is prepared to comply with any rulings.

Australian government representatives commented on Reddit's lawsuit, stating that the law is intended to protect Australian parents and children, not the platforms themselves, and to safeguard Australian youth from the negative impacts of social media.

In its lawsuit, Reddit argues that its platform is not a social media platform, citing definitions from the Oxford and Macquarie dictionaries. Reddit explains that its platform functions as a forum for people to converse on content they post, sharing information and knowledge, not through direct interaction characteristic of social media.