Online discussion platform Reddit launched a legal challenge Friday to Australia’s new ban on social media use by under-16s, just days after the landmark law took effect.

Australia this week became the first country to block young teens from creating accounts on major apps and sites, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Tech companies that fail to remove Australia-based users under 16 face penalties of Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million).

In filings to Australia’s High Court, U.S.-based Reddit argued the measure violates the country’s implied freedom of political communication and asked judges to review the law’s validity.

The complaint also said Reddit should not be included on the government’s list of banned platforms because it is an online discussion forum primarily used by adults.

“Unlike other platforms included under this law, the vast majority of Redditors are adults; we don’t market or target advertising to children under 18,” the company said in a statement.

“Simply put, users under 16 are not a substantial market segment for Reddit, and we don’t intend them to be.”

Reddit pointed to its “17+” age rating on Apple’s App Store and argued that app stores, not platforms, are better positioned to verify age.

A spokesperson warned that forcing each platform to run its own age checks creates serious privacy risks because collecting additional data increases the chances of leaks or hacks.

The spokesperson also said the government was inconsistent in deciding which platforms to ban, noting that apps with large under-16 user bases, including Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, remain exempt. Officials say the list is still under review.

‘Missing the mark’

Reddit criticized the law as “missing the mark on protecting young people online.”

“While we will comply with this law, we have a responsibility to share our perspective and see that it is reviewed by the courts,” the company said.

The forum site, home to thousands of niche communities, had warned before the December 10 rollout that the measure was “legally erroneous.”

It is not alone in its criticism. Meta, the parent of Facebook and Instagram, has said teens could migrate toward more dangerous, unregulated spaces online if mainstream platforms shut them out.

An Australian government spokesperson said Friday that officials were “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms.”

“We will stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media,” the spokesperson said.

Reddit’s case is separate from a lawsuit filed last month by an internet rights group, which argues the law is an unfair restriction on freedom of speech.

Australia’s ban is drawing global attention, with New Zealand and Malaysia considering similar steps.

The government acknowledges the rollout will be imperfect and expects tech-savvy teenagers to evade the rules, but says strong measures are needed to shield young people from “predatory algorithms” driving bullying, sexual content, and violence.