Australia’s government reportedly vowed to see a social media ban for those aged less than 16 years-old through after two affected users filed a legal challenge backed by the Digital Freedom Project (DFP).
Various outlets report Minister for Communications Anika Wells told Parliament the government is unwavering in its plan to implement the ban despite the High Court action by a pair of teenagers.
Sky News reported the politician said the government is steadfast in its support of parents and Reuters detailed a reference to resisting attempts at intimidation.
Each news outlet explained the DFP is led by John Ruddick, a politician in the New South Wales state Parliament, and the plaintiffs in the court action are 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland.
The latter reportedly drew parallels between Australia’s planned ban and the dystopian world envisaged in the novel 1984, written by George Orwell.
Neyland expressed concerns over a loss of outlets and society for younger users and the DFP branded the planned legislation as “excessive”.
Sky News emphasised the landmark nature of the legislation, noting many other governments and technology companies are waiting to see how the ban pans out.
The government recently added Twitch to a list of affected services, which include various Meta Platforms offerings, TikTok, X and YouTube.