Two Australian teenagers, backed by a digital rights group, are mounting a High Court challenge against a new law banning under-16s from social media, arguing the government and tech companies should focus on removing harmful content instead of banning young users.
The law, set to take effect December 10th, requires platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to prevent underage Australians from holding accounts. The government insists the ban is necessary to protect children from predators and harmful algorithms.
The plaintiffs, 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Newland, contend the law is an overreach that violates their rights. “We shouldn’t be using the resources… to try to avoid fines from our government,” Jones told the BBC. “They should be using this money… to get rid of the predators and harmful content.”
While acknowledging problems with social media, Newland argued the platforms also provide “so much good,” including education and community. She called for better education and safety measures instead of a blanket ban, stating, “Democracy doesn’t start at 16 as this law says it will.”
The challenge sets up a major legal battle. Communications Minister Anika Wells vowed the government “will not be intimidated,” while the Digital Freedom Project is leading the case. The ban is popular with Australian adults but faces criticism from some mental health advocates and tech experts who warn it could isolate teens or push them to less-regulated parts of the internet.
By James Kisoo
