Teens Challenge Australia's Social Media Ban in High Court

Wed Nov 26 2025 10:06:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Two Australian teenagers are launching a landmark legal challenge against the government's social media ban for under-16s, claiming it violates their rights to free communication.

In a significant move, two Australian teenagers have taken their challenge against a forthcoming social media ban for minors to the High Court, arguing it infringes upon their constitutional rights. Effective from December 10, the ban will restrict individuals under 16 from holding accounts on platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, purportedly to protect children from internet dangers. The teens, backed by advocacy groups, assert that the law disregards the nuances of children's needs for digital engagement and may lead to unintended consequences.

Australia's landmark social media ban for children is being challenged in the nation's highest court, with two teens 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 globe, 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 said in a statement.

After news of the case broke, Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament the government would not be swayed.

We will not be intimidated by threats. We will not be intimidated by legal challenges. We will not be intimidated by big tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we will stand firm, she said.

The Digital Freedom Project (DFP) announced the case had been filed in the High Court on Wednesday. Teens rely on social media for information and association, and a ban could hurt the nation's vulnerable demographics, including those with disabilities and marginalized communities, the group argued.

Led by a New South Wales parliamentarian, John Ruddick, DFP said their challenge would hinge on the ban's impact on political communication, and whether it was proportional to the law's aims.

Other measures to improve online safety should be used instead, the group argued, pointing to digital literacy programs and improved age assurance technologies that would better protect privacy.

Mr Jones argued the government's policy was lazy. We are the true digital natives and we want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world... They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence.

While opposed by tech companies, polls suggest the majority of Australian adults support the ban. However, some mental health advocates warn it might isolate children and funnel them towards less regulated parts of the internet.