Technology companies that do not comply with the law are subject to a fine of 49.5 million Australian dollars (around 28 million euros).
The US-based company Reddit said in a statement that it agrees with the importance of protecting young people, but that the new Australian law has “the unfortunate effect of forcing adults and minors into intrusive and potentially unsafe verification processes”.
According to the platform, the new legislation could also isolate teenagers from “age-appropriate community experiences”, as well as “create an illogical mosaic of included and not included platforms”.
The Australian Government stressed that it is “on the side of Australian parents and children, not the platforms”.
“We will not give in to protect young Australians from the dangers of social media,” the executive said in a statement.
Reddit had previously stated that it would comply with Australian law, but had previously deemed it “legally wrong”.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also expressed concerns that teens may turn to less regulated corners of the internet to seek connection.
Reddit’s complaint is separate from the one filed in early November by a group defending internet users’ rights that also seeks to overturn the legislation, claiming it represents a violation of freedom of expression.
Pioneering, the Australian ban is followed around the world, with some countries considering following suit.