Reddit Tightens Global Under-18 Rules Amid Australia Enforcement Push

Reddit Inc. is rolling out new safety features for users under 18 globally, citing compliance with Australia's landmark social media law banning under-16s from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The new features include stricter chat settings, personalized ad restrictions, and age-prediction models that automatically enforce these policies according to reports. The company said the move is also aimed at addressing concerns over teen safety on the platform, despite its public disagreement with aspects of the Australian legislation as research shows.

Australia's law, set to take effect on December 10, mandates that major social media companies block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million. Reddit, Meta, TikTok, and others have all announced compliance measures, including requiring birthdate verification for new accounts in the country. The law is considered a global first and has drawn both praise from child advocates and criticism from tech companies and free speech groups according to industry analysis.

The new regulations have already triggered a shift in user behavior in Australia. Alternative platforms not affected by the ban, such as the Chinese-owned Xiaohongshu and US-based Coverstar, have seen sharp rises in user numbers. Xiaohongshu's weekly active users grew 37% compared to last year, while Coverstar's usage in Australia surged 488% in the same period. Meanwhile, demand for virtual private networks, which can bypass location-based restrictions, spiked 103% on December 7.

How Companies Are Adapting

Reddit described the Australian law as "arbitrary" and "legally erroneous," particularly since its user base is largely adult. The company said it will require users to verify their age through a combination of self-reported birth dates and automated age-prediction models. All users under 16 will be suspended, and those aged 16–18 will see enhanced safety features like restricted chatting and limited ad personalization. Despite its criticisms, Reddit said it is implementing these changes to align with the new legal requirements.

Other platforms have taken similar steps. Instagram and TikTok have both announced age-verification mechanisms, including selfie-based age estimation and document checks. YouTube initially argued it was an educational platform, but the government extended the ban to its service as well. Elon Musk's X has taken a more defiant stance, calling the ban an attempt to control internet access and challenging it in court.

Global Watchers and Legal Challenges

Australia's social media ban is closely watched by regulators and lawmakers worldwide. Malaysia has already announced plans to enforce a similar under-16 ban in 2026, while New Zealand is considering its own restrictions. The UK's Online Safety Act also includes age-based protections and is being adapted in part from Australia's approach. The experiment is seen as a test of how governments can enforce digital regulations without stifling online engagement according to industry experts.

Legal challenges are also emerging. The Australian High Court is currently reviewing a lawsuit led by a libertarian state lawmaker, which argues the ban infringes on free speech. An internet rights group, the Digital Freedom Project, has also filed a challenge, claiming the law unfairly targets platforms like Reddit and YouTube. The outcome of these cases could set a precedent for future digital rights disputes.

Risks to Enforcement

Enforcing the law presents technical and behavioral challenges. Platforms have acknowledged that no system is 100% foolproof. Users can upload fake IDs, use AI to alter their appearance, or switch to alternative platforms altogether. Australia's eSafety Commissioner is conducting a two-year study with Stanford University to assess the law's impact on youth behavior and platform usage. The study will track how effectively companies can block underage users and whether the ban leads to unintended consequences like increased use of unregulated platforms.

Critics also worry about the broader implications for digital rights. Reddit and YouTube have both argued that the law could set a dangerous precedent by mandating identity verification for online activity, which could infringe on privacy and free expression. The companies say the law's application to Reddit—known for its pseudonymous, adult-oriented content—is particularly problematic.

What This Means for Social Media

The Australian ban marks a turning point in global social media regulation. As governments around the world grapple with the risks of online content, they are increasingly looking to enforce structural limits on user access. The law could lead to a broader shift in how platforms operate, with greater emphasis on age verification, content moderation, and user protections.

For investors, the regulatory environment is becoming more unpredictable. Companies like Reddit, Meta, and TikTok are navigating a complex web of compliance costs and legal risks. The long-term success of these platforms may depend on their ability to adapt to a new era of stricter regulations and shifting user expectations.