Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash.
An independent trial has found technology can effectively screen young Australians for coming age restrictions on social media.
The trial assessed more than 60 technologies from 48 age assurance vendors and found companies could check identification documents, use facial estimation or review a person’s online footprint.
The report found age assurance to be both “practical” and “achievable” but that there were risks or shortcomings from some methods.
Communications minister Anika Wells said the government is on the side of families and pushing forward with its world-leading reforms
“This report is the latest piece of evidence showing digital platforms have access to technology to better protect young people from inappropriate content and harm,” she said.
“While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to age assurance, this trial shows there are many effective options and importantly that user privacy can be safeguarded.”
The report also identified significant risks, including mass surveillance, biometric data collection, increased control by Big Tech and systematic bias against vulnerable groups.
Greens senator David Shoebridge said the age assurance trial report makes the case against a social media age ban.
“The government’s report on age assurance tech admits ‘implementation depends on the willingness of a small number of dominant tech companies’ meaning we’d be handing even more power to Big Tech to decide who gets online access,” he said.
“The age assurance trial findings accidentally prove the social media age ban is unworkable and it is time to rethink this flawed approach.”
The trial, conducted by the Age Check Certification Scheme, revealed that a range of technologies can be used effectively.
It also identified systems that address common forms of circumvention, such as AI-generated spoofing, document forgeries and VPNs.
The trial is part of a broader government push to regulate children’s online safety.
Australia’s under-16 social media ban comes into effect December 10.
Digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, could face fines of up to $49.5 million if they fail to stop underage users from having an account.
The findings will help shape upcoming industry guidance from Inman-Grant, who will soon outline the “reasonable steps” platforms must take to comply.
Shadow communications minister Melissa McIntosh said Australians are still waiting for clear instructions.
“In 100 days the Albanese Labor government’ social media age minimum commences, and social media platforms are still no closer to definitive answers on what ‘reasonable steps’ they must take for under-16s to not hold accounts,” she said.
“Families and the tech industry will now be kept waiting.. it is the eSafety commissioner who has this power, not the government.”
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