Reddit, an online forum, denounced Australia’s impending ban on under-16s using social media as “legally erroneous” on Tuesday, but it promised to abide by the historic crackdown.
The world’s most popular social media platforms and websites, such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit, will be restricted under Australia’s world-first law, which goes into force on December 10.
Reddit, a US-based company, was one of the last businesses left to decide whether or not it would comply.
“While we disagree about the scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications of this law, as of December 10, we’re making some changes in line with these requirements,” the company said in a statement.
Reddit said it could not confirm local media reports that it was mulling a last-ditch legal challenge against the restrictions.
But it said the law would be a mistake.
“By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyone’s right to both free expression and privacy, as well as account-specific protections,” it said.
“We also believe the law’s application to Reddit — a pseudonymous, text-based forum overwhelmingly used by adults — is arbitrary, legally erroneous, and goes far beyond the original intent of the Australian Parliament, especially when other obvious platforms are exempt.”
Social media companies face fines of Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply with the legislation.
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