Australian Group Files Legal Action Over Under-16 Social Media Ban

(MENAFN) An Australian digital rights organization launched High Court proceedings Wednesday against the nation's impending social media prohibition for users under 16, arguing the measure "is a violation of young people's rights to stay connected and access information."

The Digital Freedom Project warned on its website that collecting data and identification documents for age verification also "poses a major risk to the security of Australians' personal information online."

The advocacy group contends the ban represents a "grossly excessive" infringement on the "constitutional right of freedom of political communication," an Australian broadcasting agency reported.

The legal challenge names 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland as "representative" plaintiffs for the demographic impacted by the restriction.

Communications Minister Anika Wells responded Wednesday by affirming the federal government's unwavering resolve to enforce the legislation.

"Despite the fact that we are receiving threats and legal challenges by people with ulterior motives, the Albanese Labor government remains steadfastly on the side of parents, and not platforms," she declared.

"We will not be intimidated by threats. We will not be intimidated by big tech on behalf of Australian parents. We stand firm," Wells added.

Beginning December 10, social media platforms—including Reddit, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, Twitch, and YouTube—will face a "world-first legal obligation" to block anyone under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.

Australia's social media law places enforcement responsibility solely on platforms, imposing fines up to $32 million for violations, while exempting users and parents from penalties.

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