The Australian Government has defended the country’s under-16 social-media restrictions in the High Court, arguing that credible risks to young people justify a precautionary approach even while scientific debate about causation continues.
Reddit is challenging Part 4A of the Online Safety Act, contending that the requirements impermissibly burden the implied freedom of political communication. The High Court lists the Reddit matter alongside a separate challenge brought by the Digital Freedom Project, with the cases referred to the Full Court.
The Commonwealth’s written submissions, filed on 25 September, point to risks including addictive behaviour, disrupted sleep and worsening mental-health outcomes. These are arguments advanced by the defendants, not findings made by the Court. The filing acknowledges scientific uncertainty about causal links while arguing that credible risks justify preventive action.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says covered platforms must take reasonable steps to stop Australians under 16 from holding accounts. The case concerns the constitutional validity and operation of those duties; it does not determine whether any particular platform has breached them.
Sources: High Court of Australia — Reddit v Commonwealth; eSafety Commissioner — social-media age restrictions; Commonwealth and Minister for Communications — written submissions, 25 September 2026.
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