Legal Battle Over Australia’s Social Media Ban for Teens Begins

Wed Nov 26 2025 21:45:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Australian teenagers challenge a controversial law banning social media for under-16s, claiming it infringes on their rights.

Two teenagers in Australia are challenging the government's upcoming law that bans social media accounts for children under 16, arguing it's unconstitutional and limits their right to communication. The law is set to come into effect on December 10, as part of efforts to protect children from harmful online content. The case has garnered attention, with varying opinions on the implications for child safety and online rights.

Australia's landmark social media ban for children is being challenged in the nation's highest court, with two teenagers alleging the law is unconstitutional as it robs them of their right to free communication.

From 10 December, social media firms - including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube - must ensure that Australians aged under 16 cannot hold accounts on their platforms.

The law, which is being watched closely around the world, was justified by campaigners and the government as necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms. However, 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, backed by a rights group, will argue the ban completely disregards the rights of children.

We shouldn't be silenced. It's like Orwell's book 1984, and that scares me, Ms Neyland stated.

Communications Minister Anika Wells reinforced the government's stance, declaring, We will not be intimidated by threats or legal challenges. On behalf of Australian parents, we will stand firm. The Digital Freedom Project (DFP), which announced the case had been filed in the High Court, argues that the ban disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable youths, such as those with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ teenagers.

Another argument centers on the ban's impact on political communication, suggesting that the law is not proportionate to its intended protection goals. Advocates for digital rights suggest using alternative measures like digital literacy programs and age assurance technologies instead of outright bans.

Mr Jones criticized the government's approach as lazy, emphasizing that teenagers should not be silenced while seeking safety online.

While tech companies oppose the ban, it enjoys support among a majority of Australian adults. Critics, including mental health advocates, caution that excluding children from mainstream platforms may drive them towards more dangerous areas of the internet.