The Australian government has defended its ban on social media for under-16s before the country's highest court, Al Jazeera reports. The challenge was brought by the platform Reddit and the Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project, who argue the law is disproportionate and breaches the implied freedom of political communication in the constitution.
Government lawyers told the court that social media exposed children to risks including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and described the ban as modest in scope. Reddit said it should never have been included among the ten restricted platforms. The court adjourned after a two-day hearing and is expected to rule in the coming months. Australia was the first country to enforce such a ban, and five million accounts had been closed by July, though officials admit many teenagers get around age checks. Other countries, including the UK and France, are watching the case.
Source: Al Jazeera