SYDNEY – A constitutional challenge has been filed against Australia’s social media ban for children under 16, just two weeks before the world-first law comes into effect. The Digital Freedom Project launched proceedings in the High Court of Australia, with two 15-year-olds, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, named as plaintiffs.
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The law, set to take effect on December 10, will deactivate more than one million accounts held by teenagers on platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. The campaign group argues that the ban infringes on young Australians’ freedom of political communication, an implied right under the constitution.
“The legislation is grossly excessive,” said the Digital Freedom Project. Neyland added that the ban would silence young voices, warning that “young people like me are the voters of tomorrow … it’s like Orwell’s book 1984, and that scares me.”
BREAKING: Aussie parents & kids FIGHT BACK!
Aussies are taking the gov’s under-16 social media BAN to the HIGH COURT!
Digital Freedom Project: “This is a BLATANT ATTACK on young Aussies’ rights!”
Who’s with them? pic.twitter.com/ZPP1QikDhv
— No to Digital ID (@NoToDigitalID) November 13, 2025
Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the law in Parliament, saying the Albanese government would not be intimidated by legal threats. “We remain steadfastly on the side of parents, and not of platforms,” she said, emphasizing the government’s concerns about over-use of social media among teens, including exposure to misinformation, bullying, and harmful depictions of body image.
Australian media reports indicate that YouTube may also challenge the law, arguing it burdens political communication. The ban, passed in November 2024, enjoys majority public support according to polling, and non-compliant companies could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.22 million).
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Governments and tech companies worldwide are closely watching Australia’s attempt to regulate social media access for minors, a move widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive efforts globally.