Sydney: Two fifteen-year-old Australians have petitioned the High Court of Australia to block a sweeping new law that would ban social-media access for users under 16, just two weeks before the legislation is scheduled to take effect.
Under the looming ban the first of its kind globally more than a million youth accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and others will be rendered inactive unless age-verification measures are satisfied.
The legal challenge was filed by Digital Freedom Project on behalf of the two teenagers, who argue the law violates Australia’s implied constitutional right to political communication. Supporters of the challenge claim the ban is “grossly excessive” and amounts to silencing youth voices in digital public spaces.
The federal government, however, maintains the ban is essential to protect children from online harms including misinformation, cyberbullying and threats to mental health. Communications Minister Anika Wells reiterated that the government remains "firm" on enforcing the law on its scheduled date.
As the case proceeds, all eyes will be on the High Court to determine whether this legislation the first of its kind anywhere upholds constitutional protections for young people or constitutes an excessive restriction on digital expression and freedom.