Online discussion platform Reddit on Tuesday criticised Australia’s imminent ban on social media accounts for under-16s as “legally erroneous,” while confirming it would comply with the sweeping new restrictions, reports AFP.
The world-first legislation takes effect on December 10 and applies to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Reddit. The US-based company was among the last major firms to publicly confirm whether it would follow the new rules.
“While we disagree about the scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications of this law, as of December 10 we’re making some changes in line with these requirements,” Reddit said in a statement.
The company declined to confirm reports that it was considering a late legal challenge but made clear it views the legislation as misguided. “By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyone’s right to free expression and privacy,” it said. “We also believe the law’s application to Reddit—a pseudonymous, text-based forum overwhelmingly used by adults—is arbitrary, legally erroneous, and far beyond the intent of Parliament, especially when other obvious platforms are exempt.”
Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million).
Reddit said it will deploy an “age-prediction model” to detect underage users and suspend accounts belonging to anyone deemed under 16. It will also introduce enhanced safety measures for all users under 18 worldwide. The ban is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of Australian adolescents; Instagram alone counts about 350,000 users aged 13 to 15.
Some platforms—including Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp—are exempt, though the exemption list remains under review.
On the eve of the rollout, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged teens to see the restrictions as support rather than punishment. “From December 10 if you’re under 16 you’re no longer allowed to have a social media account,” he said in a video message. “You’ll know better than anyone what it’s like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that.”
He encouraged teenagers to reconnect offline as summer holidays approach: “Start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there. And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family. Face to face.”
Officials acknowledge many teenagers will try to circumvent the law using fake IDs or AI-altered photos. Platforms must develop methods to prevent this, though the online safety watchdog warns that “no solution is likely to be 100 percent effective.”
Australia’s bold experiment is being closely watched by governments worldwide. Malaysia has already announced plans for a similar ban next year, while New Zealand says it is considering one.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
