Teenagers Challenge Australian Social Media Ban in Court
CANBERRA,Australia – Two australian teenagers are suing the government,arguing a new law restricting social media access for those under 16 violates their constitutional right to political communication. The case,brought with the support of the Digital Freedom Project led by Libertarian party politician John Ruddick,centers on the claim that the law unduly burdens free political expression.
The legislation,enacted to protect children’s safety and well-being online,requires social media platforms to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent for those under 16. The teenagers contend this effectively silences a generation’s ability to engage in political discourse, a right protected under the Australian Constitution. They are seeking a temporary injunction from the Supreme Court to halt the law’s enforcement while the case proceeds.
The Digital freedom Project asserts the law “places a heavy burden on political communication.” Former Supreme Court Justice Robert French, however, has publicly questioned the strength of the argument, noting the limited use of social media for political purposes by 13-15-year-olds.
Australia already has existing laws restricting young peopel’s access to potentially harmful content, including age limits on films, video games, and alcohol, none of which have faced constitutional challenges. The government maintains the social media restrictions are necessary given studies linking social media use to negative mental health outcomes in young people. the teenagers are requesting the Supreme Court temporarily suspend the law until a full hearing can be held.
