Australia Faces High Court Challenge Over Upcoming Social Media Ban for Under-16s
A landmark legal battle is unfolding in Australia as the Digital Freedom Project launches a High Court challenge against the nation’s upcoming social media ban for children under 16, just two weeks before the law is set to take effect on December 10.
The challenge, announced on Wednesday, is backed by two 15-year-old plaintiffs, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, who argue that the ban violates the implied constitutional freedom of political communication. Australia does not have an explicit free-speech clause, making this challenge a pivotal test of the country’s constitutional principles.
Ban Set to Deactivate Over One Million Teen Accounts
Once implemented, the legislation will lead to the deactivation of more than one million accounts belonging to users under 16 on platforms including:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Snapchat
The law aims to curb harmful online experiences such as bullying, misinformation, and body-image pressures among young teenagers. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32.2 million).
Plaintiffs Argue Ban Silences Young Voices
In a statement, the Digital Freedom Project said the law “robs young Australians of their freedom of political communication” and is “grossly excessive.”
Plaintiff Macy Neyland expressed concern over the impact on youth expression:
“Young people like me are the voters of tomorrow… we shouldn’t be silenced. It’s like Orwell’s 1984, and that scares me.”
The group’s president, John Ruddick, a Libertarian Party member in the NSW Parliament, is spearheading the challenge.
Government Responds: ‘We Will Not Be Intimidated’
Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed Parliament after news of the legal challenge broke, stating the Albanese government “will not be intimidated by threats and legal challenges.”
“The government remains steadfastly on the side of parents, not platforms,” Wells said.
Australian media also reports that YouTube has considered its own High Court challenge, arguing the legislation imposes an unconstitutional burden on political communication.
Global Attention on Australia’s World-First Law
Governments, tech companies, and child-safety advocates worldwide are closely watching Australia’s move, regarded as one of the strictest social-media age regulations globally. Passed in November 2024, the law has strong public support according to national polling.
As the High Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome could shape global debates on children’s online safety, digital rights, and platform accountability.
