Reddit has initiated legal action against the Australian government regarding a newly implemented social media prohibition that limits access for minors aged 16 and under to the majority of social media platforms. As reported by Reuters, Reddit asserts that the restriction violates the right to free political discourse as suggested by Australia’s constitution, arguing that preventing young individuals from using Reddit hampers their freedom of expression. Reddit further argues that it is not merely a social media platform but rather a space for the exchange of information and ideas.

“Reddit facilitates online conversations about the content shared by users on the platform. It encourages knowledge transfer from one user to another,” the lawsuit states, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The lawsuit additionally highlights: “A significant aim of the site is not to promote interactions due to a specific user’s connection with or interest in another user as a person; in fact, in many instances, a user’s identity on Reddit is not even known to others.”

The social media restriction came into force on Wednesday, limiting children’s access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and others. Most platforms adhered by suspending accounts for users aged 16 and below, although tech-savvy minors can readily circumvent this obstacle. The restriction seeks to reduce children’s exposure to algorithmic recommendations.

“Postponing children’s access to social media accounts grants them important time to develop and learn, away from the influential, hidden forces of harmful and misleading design elements like opaque algorithms and infinite scrolling,” stated Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant in a statement last month.