Australia awaits High Court ruling on under-16 social media ban

Australia’s government defended restrictions on social-media accounts for children under 16 during a second day of High Court hearings on November 4. Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project are challenging the law, arguing it burdens political communication.

The High Court’s case record identifies the dispute as a challenge to Part 4A of the Online Safety Act 2021. The government says the measure is proportionate child protection; challengers say it restricts young people’s public participation too broadly. The hearing has adjourned and a ruling date is not set.

The law has not been struck down. It places responsibility on covered platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s holding accounts, rather than punishing children or caregivers. Sources: High Court; Reuters; AP.

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