Reddit criticises Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s as legally flawed but says it will comply, using an age-prediction model
SYDNEY: Online discussion platform Reddit has condemned Australia’s imminent social media ban for users under 16 as “legally erroneous”.
The company stated it would nonetheless comply with the landmark legislation, which takes effect on 10 December.
The law targets the world’s most popular platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Reddit.
In a statement, Reddit expressed strong disagreement with the law’s scope, effectiveness and privacy implications.
“By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyone’s right to both free expression and privacy,” the company said.
It argued the application to Reddit, a pseudonymous, text-based forum used mostly by adults, was arbitrary.
Reddit said it would not comment on local media reports of a potential last-ditch legal challenge.
The company confirmed it will use an “age-prediction model” to identify and suspend accounts deemed to belong to users under 16.
It also plans to roll out enhanced global safety features for all users under 18. – AFP
