The Australian government has defended its ban on social media for users under 16, arguing that "credible risks" of harm justify the measure despite a lack of scientific consensus on a causal link between social media use and mental health issues. The government's defense was filed in the high court as part of a challenge by Reddit.
The case challenges the Australian government's authority to implement broad social media restrictions for minors, potentially setting a precedent for how governments can regulate online platforms and protect young users amid evolving scientific understanding of digital harms.
The Australian government has defended its ban on social media access for individuals under 16, arguing that significant credible risks to young people's mental health justify the measure, even in the absence of definitive scientific consensus on causation. The defense was filed in the high court as part of a legal challenge brought by US-based platform Reddit.
Reddit is contesting the ban, which came into effect in December, arguing it infringes on the implied freedom of political communication and is ineffective. The company highlighted that some platforms are excluded from the ban and that features targeted by the ban remain accessible to users without accounts. Reddit also noted that children under 16 have reportedly maintained or created new accounts since the ban was implemented.
In its submission, Reddit stated, "there is no scientific consensus about whether there is a causal link between social media use and particular harms." The government, however, countered in its filing that "uncertainty about causation should not delay action to protect young people." It argued that "significant credible risks" of addictive behaviors, disrupted sleep, and worsening depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are sufficient grounds for the "precautionary protective measure."
The government also contended that its proposed digital duty of care legislation would effectively achieve the same outcome by requiring platforms to disable features harmful to young users. The government pointed to the removal of nearly 5 million accounts in December as evidence of the ban's impact, with Reddit itself suspending over 43,000 accounts between December and March.
Further measures to enforce the ban include increased powers for the eSafety commissioner and doubled fines for non-compliance, potentially reaching nearly A$100 million. The tech industry group NetChoice, representing companies like Meta, TikTok, and X, is also seeking to be heard in the case.
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