Australia’s new law banning social media accounts for users under 16 has begun to take effect, and multiple legal challenges are underway as reactions emerge from platforms, teens and government officials. The Social Media Minimum Age law came into force on December 10, 2025, requiring major services to block under-16 accounts or face potential fines of up to AUD 49.5 million for non-compliance.
Lawsuits reach High Court
Shortly after the ban’s implementation, Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s High Court seeking to overturn or limit the restrictions. The platform argues that the law could infringe on constitutionally implied freedoms of political communication and that Reddit should not be classified as a social media service subject to the ban.
In a related legal challenge, two teenagers, represented by a Sydney-based digital rights group also filed a constitutional case, contending that the age restriction limits their personal freedoms. Both challenges could influence how the law is interpreted and enforced if the High Court accepts and hears the cases, with proceedings expected to continue into early 2026.
Ban enforcement by platforms
Platforms including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok have begun to enforce the ban in line with the law, using age estimation tools and account restrictions to prevent access for users identified as under 16. Some teenagers posted farewell messages on social media in the days before the ban took effect, marking the end of long-standing accounts and communities. Others have looked to lesser-known apps that are not yet included in the law’s scope.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials have defended the policy as a measure to protect children online, even as some teens explore workarounds and question the practical impact of the restrictions.