Reddit just sued Australia over its new law that bans anyone under 16 from using social media platforms, even though the company already started blocking young users this week. The case landed in Australia's High Court and argues the blanket ban is way too broad, messes with adult privacy and free speech, and does not actually help kids like the government claims.
The platform says forcing everyone to verify their age creates security risks and cuts teenagers off from important conversations. Reddit pointed out that the Australian Human Rights Commission already flagged concerns about less extreme options that would not trash human rights as much. The company stressed it is not trying to dodge the rules and will keep working with Australian regulators while the legal challenge plays out.
The platform says forcing everyone to verify their age creates security risks and cuts teenagers off from important conversations. Reddit pointed out that the Australian Human Rights Commission already flagged concerns about less extreme options that would not trash human rights as much. The company stressed it is not trying to dodge the rules and will keep working with Australian regulators while the legal challenge plays out.
