Reddit, the social media and community chat forum, announced on Thursday that it is challenging Australia's under-16 social media ban in the country's High Court.
A statement posted to X said that the new law, which bans Australians aged 15 and younger from using apps such as Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Snapchat, YouTube, Kick and Twitch, "has the unfortunate effect of forcing intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors, isolating teens from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences."
The move comes just days after the San Francisco-based company implemented age verification measures in Australia.
Initially, Reddit appeared to be complying with the Australian law without resistance. On Tuesday, Reddit said it would verify that new members and current account holders in Australia are at least 16. It also announced that account holders under 18 worldwide will get modified versions of the app that prevent access to NSFW and mature content, with stricter chat settings and no ad personalization or sensitive ads.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
A representative for Reddit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reddit calls Australian law 'arbitrary'
Earlier this week, Reddit said the legislation limits free expression and privacy and "is arbitrary, legally erroneous, and goes far beyond the original intent of the Australian Parliament, especially when other obvious platforms are exempt."
"We believe strongly in the open internet and the continued accessibility of quality knowledge, information, resources, and community building for everyone, including young people," the Tuesday statement said. "This is why Reddit has always been, and continues to be, available for anyone to read even if they don't have an account."
Age verification rules -- such as the UK Online Safety Act -- are becoming the norm rather than the exception for governments and companies worldwide. The internet is increasingly being filtered to prevent children from accessing certain content online. It's a battleground where privacy, access to information and online safety are huge factors.
... continue reading