Minister Stands Firm on Under-16 Social Media Ban as High Court Challenge Looms

The minister also offered assurances on data safety.
Minister Stands Firm on Under-16 Social Media Ban as High Court Challenge Looms
Minister for Communications Anika Wells at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on July 30, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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CANBERRA, Australia—Days after teenagers lodged a High Court challenge to overturn Australia’s looming social-media ban, federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has vowed to defend the law—saying she has the backing of parents to do so.

“They (parents) know, and we know that this will not be perfect … but for the seven out of 10 kids who witness online harm, we have to give this a crack,” Wells told the National Press Club, one week before the ban comes into force.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].