Over 5 Million Accounts Suspended Under Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban

More than 5 million user accounts were suspended or deactivated across 10 major platforms in the months following the ban's implementation. The Australian government introduced the under-16s social media ban in December 2024, and enforcement has removed accounts from Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Kick, X, Twitch, and Threads. These platforms determined the accounts belonged to users under the age of 16.

The legal challenge began Tuesday when Reddit's counsel, Perry Herzfeld SC, addressed the High Court. Herzfeld argued that the legislation was passed in a rush, with the bill introduced and enacted within a week. Only 24 hours were allowed for public submissions during that process. He stated that such a rapid procedure likely produced "ill-thought-out, over-broad legislation." The argument centers on whether the ban infringes upon the implied freedom of political communication for teenagers.

Herzfeld pointed to a 2021 parliamentary inquiry that did not recommend a ban. At that time, the eSafety commissioner warned that a prohibition would be a "blunt force approach." Reddit did not initially accept that it met the legal definition of a social media platform. The company filed its challenge in late 2025 after eSafety confirmed the site was covered. In March 2026, Communications Minister Anika Wells introduced rules requiring platforms to have logged-in features, recommendation algorithms, or endless scroll capabilities to be included in the ban. Herzfeld argued the current law is too broad and that the new digital duty of care legislation currently in parliament would be a more appropriate tool.

The court heard specific examples of how the ban limits political expression. Herzfeld noted that teens can view content on subreddits like r/Australia but cannot post, comment, or upvote without an account. He compared this restriction to teens "shouting on the street" or being interviewed by media, arguing the platforms offer a much wider audience. Justice Jacqueline Gleeson expressed reservations about the impact on the general population. She stated that the "vast majority of teens the vast majority of time" do not engage in politics while under 16. She referenced high-profile cases, such as 6News reporter Leo Puglisi, who started his news site at age 11.

Communications Minister Anika Wells spoke to reporters outside the court. She noted she was not the minister when the original legislation passed in 2024. She said the government's defense would be presented in court. The case tests whether the ban's restriction on political communication is justified by what the government describes as a "credible risk" of harms. These risks include mental health issues, sleeping problems, and eating disorders.

The High Court will continue to hear arguments this week. Another group, the Digital Freedom Project led by New South Wales Libertarian MP John Ruddick, is also challenging the case. Ruddick appeared outside the court with Noah Jones, a 16-year-old original plaintiff, his mother Renee, and One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts. The government maintains the ban is necessary to protect young people from online harms.

The ban remains in effect while the legal proceedings continue. Platforms must continue to identify and remove under-16 accounts. The outcome of the case will determine whether the current legal framework stands or requires amendment.