Latest news Australia: Lawsuit against social media ban for young people
Shortly before the start of the planned social media ban for under-16s in Australia, the plan is being challenged in the Supreme Court in Canberra.
26.11.2025, 11:26
SDA
The libertarian member of the New South Wales parliament, John Ruddick, filed a lawsuit against the law, which is due to come into force on 10 December, through his organization "Digital Freedom Project". Two 15-year-old teenagers named Macy and Noah are acting as plaintiffs and are calling for a halt to the controversial proposal, according to a statement from the organization.
The group argues that the ban is a "direct attack on young people's right to free political communication" and is "completely excessive". Many young people are disappointed by the government imposing a blanket ban on under-16s instead of investing in programs to help children navigate social media safely, it said.
"Like Orwell's 1984"
"We must not be silenced," said young plaintiff Macy. The law is reminiscent of George Orwell's novel "1984", in which a totalitarian surveillance society is described. "That worries me," emphasized the teenager. Communications Minister Anika Wells declared in parliament that the government would not be intimidated by legal threats.
The government in Canberra passed the law a year ago - making Australia a global pioneer. Almost all the major parties supported the initiative by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The platforms were given twelve months to implement the new age restriction. Numerous providers such as TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are affected.
Tech companies that do not comply with the requirements and do not implement effective measures face heavy fines for non-compliance. Popular gaming platforms such as Roblox and apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger are not covered by the new regulation.
