Reddit Sues Australia Over Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Does the ban protect children from exploitative tech giants, or does it impose intrusive controls while pushing teens to riskier spaces?

Published 4 days ago

Reddit Sues Australia Over Social Media Ban for Under-16s

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Above: Social media networking apps displayed on a phone screen on Dec. 7, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Image credit: George Chan/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Australia's social media ban represents a crucial rebalancing of power between government and tech giants who have commodified children for profit. The platforms use addictive algorithms and data collection to turn kids into economic opportunities, and mounting evidence links these features to serious social and health harms including suicides. This world-leading law has sparked global momentum with countries across Europe, Asia and beyond following Australia's blueprint to protect children from corporate exploitation.

Region Canberra ABC News

Libertarian narrative

The ban forces intrusive verification processes on all users while isolating teens from age-appropriate community experiences and political discussions. More effective alternatives exist like device-level age assurance that would protect privacy without blanket restrictions. The law illogically targets platforms like Reddit that don't market to children, and teenagers will simply circumvent these rules through VPNs, potentially exposing them to more dangerous unregulated spaces online.

Thred Reddit