According to Xinhua News Agency, Australia’s social media ban targeting users under the age of 16 officially took effect on December 10. Currently, 10 major social media platforms are required to prevent users in this age group from opening accounts on their services. This marks the world’s first legislative measure imposing such a minimum age limit on social media platforms.

On December 12, Reddit, one of the 10 designated platforms, filed a lawsuit against the ban with the High Court of Australia. As reported by Reuters on the same day, Reddit named Australian Minister for Communications of the federal government, Michelle Rowland, as the defendant, arguing that the legislation infringes on privacy and political communication rights. In documents submitted to the court, Reddit stated that the ban should be declared invalid as it interferes with the implied freedom of political communication enshrined in Australia’s Constitution. The filing also claimed that the ban hinders individuals under 16 from participating in political discussions, noting that "Australian citizens under 16 will become eligible voters in a few years, and the choices these future citizens make will be shaped by the political exchanges they engage in before turning 18."

In addition, Reddit’s court documents contended that the platform should be exempted from the ban because it does not fit the definition of a social media platform. Reddit functions as an online forum where registered users can post text or links. Content on the site is organized into user-created communities called subreddits, covering topics ranging from mainstream interests and issues to niche hobbies and local groups.

As reported by ABC News, Reddit argued that Australia’s social media restrictions do not accurately apply to its platform. The company maintained that the government’s ban focuses on platforms whose "sole or principal purpose" is to facilitate social interaction between two or more users online—a feature that is not Reddit’s "sole or principal purpose." Reddit primarily caters to adult users and operates on an anonymous basis, with "user identities on Reddit remaining unknown to other users in most cases."

Earlier reports from The Paper (www.thepaper.cn) noted that the Australian government evaluates whether to apply the regulations to a social platform based on three key criteria: whether the platform’s "sole or principal purpose" is to enable social interaction between two or more users online; whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and whether it permits users to post content. Platforms such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp were excluded from the ban as they do not meet these criteria.

Citing a spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Reuters reported that the Australian government "stands with Australian parents and children, not the platforms" and will "firmly protect young Australians from the harms of social media." Health Minister Mark Butler stated that Reddit’s lawsuit is aimed at protecting its profits, not the right of young people to express political views, adding that "we will vigorously defend against this action."

As reported by the BBC on December 9, Australia’s ban covers 10 major social platforms including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. These platforms will be required to ban over one million accounts as a result. Countries around the world are closely monitoring the implementation effect of Australia’s ban. Globally, Denmark has announced plans to ban children under 15 from using social media, while Norway is considering a similar proposal. A survey initiated by the French National Assembly has also recommended banning children under 15 from social media and imposing a "curfew" on social platforms for users aged 15 to 18.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Australia’s social media ban targeting users under the age of 16 officially took effect on December 10. Currently, 10 major social media platforms are required to prevent users in this age group from opening accounts on their services. This marks the world’s first legislative measure imposing such a minimum age limit on social media platforms.

On December 12, Reddit, one of the 10 designated platforms, filed a lawsuit against the ban with the High Court of Australia. As reported by Reuters on the same day, Reddit named Australian Minister for Communications of the federal government, Michelle Rowland, as the defendant, arguing that the legislation infringes on privacy and political communication rights. In documents submitted to the court, Reddit stated that the ban should be declared invalid as it interferes with the implied freedom of political communication enshrined in Australia’s Constitution. The filing also claimed that the ban hinders individuals under 16 from participating in political discussions, noting that "Australian citizens under 16 will become eligible voters in a few years, and the choices these future citizens make will be shaped by the political exchanges they engage in before turning 18."

In addition, Reddit’s court documents contended that the platform should be exempted from the ban because it does not fit the definition of a social media platform. Reddit functions as an online forum where registered users can post text or links. Content on the site is organized into user-created communities called subreddits, covering topics ranging from mainstream interests and issues to niche hobbies and local groups.

As reported by ABC News, Reddit argued that Australia’s social media restrictions do not accurately apply to its platform. The company maintained that the government’s ban focuses on platforms whose "sole or principal purpose" is to facilitate social interaction between two or more users online—a feature that is not Reddit’s "sole or principal purpose." Reddit primarily caters to adult users and operates on an anonymous basis, with "user identities on Reddit remaining unknown to other users in most cases."

Earlier reports from The Paper (www.thepaper.cn) noted that the Australian government evaluates whether to apply the regulations to a social platform based on three key criteria: whether the platform’s "sole or principal purpose" is to enable social interaction between two or more users online; whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and whether it permits users to post content. Platforms such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp were excluded from the ban as they do not meet these criteria.

Citing a spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Reuters reported that the Australian government "stands with Australian parents and children, not the platforms" and will "firmly protect young Australians from the harms of social media." Health Minister Mark Butler stated that Reddit’s lawsuit is aimed at protecting its profits, not the right of young people to express political views, adding that "we will vigorously defend against this action."

As reported by the BBC on December 9, Australia’s ban covers 10 major social platforms including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. These platforms will be required to ban over one million accounts as a result. Countries around the world are closely monitoring the implementation effect of Australia’s ban. Globally, Denmark has announced plans to ban children under 15 from using social media, while Norway is considering a similar proposal. A survey initiated by the French National Assembly has also recommended banning children under 15 from social media and imposing a "curfew" on social platforms for users aged 15 to 18.