Technology
Reddit, Digital Freedom Project contest Australia's under-16 social media ban in court
The Guardian reports that Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project are challenging the ban in the high court, where the government disputes the group's standing.
The short version
- Reddit and an advocacy group led by a libertarian politician are challenging Australia's under-16s social media ban in the high court.[The Guardian]
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says more than 5m accounts across 10 services have been suspended under the ban.[The Guardian]
- Reddit argues that online platforms are a common source of news and political information in Australia.[The Guardian]
- The government defends the law as reducing harm from features such as algorithms and infinite scroll, and disputes the group's standing to sue.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Reddit and an advocacy group headed by a libertarian politician are seeking to overturn Australia's under-16s social media ban in the high court.[The Guardian]
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said more than 5m accounts across 10 services have been suspended as part of the ban.[The Guardian]
- Reddit argues in its submission that online platforms are a common source of news and political information in Australia.[The Guardian]
- The Australian government argues the law seeks to reduce harm to under-16s from features such as algorithms, infinite scroll, persistent notifications and likes.[The Guardian]
- The federal government has challenged the standing of the Digital Freedom Project to bring the case to the court.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The outcome of the challenge is not known; the reporting covers the case as it goes to hearing, not a ruling.[The Guardian]
- Whether the court will accept the Digital Freedom Project's standing to bring the case is disputed and unresolved.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Reddit and libertarian group challenge Australia’s under-16s social media ban in high courtThe Guardian - World
- Legal challenge to Australia's social media ban to start in High CourtBBC News - World
- Australia’s social media ban ‘ill-thought-out’, Reddit argues in high court challengeThe Guardian - World