At 57, this Kerala High Court judge just finished Ironman: ‘Cut down on sleep, not work’

An Australian research team published a study last year indicating little evidence that teenagers have abandoned social media due to recent restrictions. The landmark Australian social media ban, which went into effect in December, mandates that users under 16 cannot create accounts on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Reddit.

Due to the ban, online platforms are tasked with removing underage users and may face substantial fines for non-compliance. Reddit, one of the world's most popular websites, is set to present its case to the High Court of Australia on Tuesday and Wednesday, challenging the legitimacy of the ban. According to Reddit's written submission, the effectiveness of the ban is questionable, and there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the potential harms of social media.

The ban works by restricting children under 16 from opening accounts on the world's leading social media platforms, which are responsible for identifying and removing underage users. However, Reddit argues that this approach may pose more risks, as underage users can still access harmful content through other platforms or even without an account.

The online platform further asserts that young individuals using alternative platforms without an account are unable to be safeguarded from exposure to particular harmful content. Reddit's submission also claims that there is no scientific consensus on the matter, adding that political discourse on social media should be exempt from the ban, as there is little research on whether certain platforms are safer than others.

The High Court will also deliberate on arguments from the Digital Freedom Project, which contends that the ban restricts teenagers' ability to engage in political discourse. The Digital Freedom Project asserts that social media is crucial for young Australians, including children under 16, to access news, participate in political communication, and form connections and support networks.

While it remains uncertain how swiftly the High Court will address the case, court decisions typically take months. Social media companies have faced increasing criticism for their usage of potentially addictive algorithms, which allegedly direct users to extreme content to maintain engagement. Several nations have expressed interest in adopting Australia's approach, including New Zealand, the UK, France, and Turkey.