Australia's under-16 social media ban faces High Court legal challenge

Two days of hearings regarding a legal challenge to Australia's social media ban for children under 16 years of age will begin at the country's High Court on Tuesday. BBC News and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation both reported that the legal proceedings represent a major test of the policy. [1][3]

A digital rights group will argue before the court that the restriction robs children of their right to free communication, according to BBC News. A separate challenge launched by the platform Reddit will be heard jointly during the proceedings. [1]

The Australian government introduced the ban last December as part of wider legislative changes focused on online safety. Supporters of the law say it protects children from harmful content, while critics argue that the policy is too blunt an instrument and that focus should instead be placed on improving online safety. [1]

Social media platforms are technologies designed to allow users to create and share content within virtual networks, according to Wikipedia. South Australia has joined the High Court fight to defend the under-16 social media laws, Glam Adelaide reported. [6][8]