Reddit is contesting Australia’s ban on social media use by under-16s in the country’s High Court, arguing that the law limits young people’s ability to take part in political debate and does not effectively keep minors off platforms.
A lawyer representing Reddit described the legislation as “ill thought out” and a “profound restriction on political debate,” according to Reuters. Reddit and a libertarian advocacy group argued in court that the ban substantially restricts what young people can do, including creating content and responding to posts.
Reddit says it supports the law’s aims but calls its approach “inept.” The company argues that the legislation does not provide a specific way to prevent minors from accessing social media, does not cover other online spaces where cyberbullying can occur, such as gaming websites, and still allows people who are not logged in to view substantial amounts of content.
The Australian government has said it will defend the law. Its lawyer, Joanna Davidson, argued that children are more vulnerable to harmful online content because their brains are not fully developed. Communications minister Anika Wells said the government was defending children’s right to be free from harm against what she called a “sustained ideological attack.”
The government has raised the maximum fine for non-compliance to AU$99 million, increased the eSafety Commissioner’s discovery powers and said it is preparing enforcement action against some major social media platforms operating in Australia.
Sources: TechRadar.