A recently published report highlights the challenges and risks linked to Australia’s upcoming social media ban for individuals under 16. The government plans to implement the policy in December, claiming it will help reduce the harmful effects of social media. The global community is closely watching how this unfolds.
Under the new law, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to stop Australian children from creating new accounts and to deactivate any existing accounts. It could be mentioned that while many parents support the policy, experts have raised concerns about data privacy and the reliability of age verification technologies. The federal government asked the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme to examine possible enforcement methods, and the findings were released on Sunday.
The report looked at various techniques, like using government-issued ID, parental consent, and biometric technologies that evaluate age based on facial features, gestures, or behaviour. Moreover, it was highlighted that it found that while all these methods can work technically, none offers a perfect or universally applicable solution. The report noted that no single method would fit every situation, nor was any method guaranteed to work in all cases.
Moreover, verification through official identity documents was noted as the most accurate approach. However, the report raised concerns that platforms might keep this sensitive data longer than necessary and might share it with regulators. Both scenarios could expose users to serious privacy risks. It is also made clear that this issue is particularly relevant in Australia, which, like many countries, has recently faced several high-profile data breaches, resulting in the theft and public sharing of sensitive personal information.
Facial recognition technology, while 92% accurate for people aged 18 and older, has a “buffer zone” of about two to three years around 16. In this range, its accuracy drops. According to the report, this limitation could lead to “false positives”, allowing underage children access, and “false negatives”, wrongly blocking eligible users. The report also pointed out that parental approval methods have their own privacy and accuracy problems.
To build the strongest system, the report suggested a “layered” approach that combines multiple verification methods. It also mentioned that many tech providers are working on ways to combat tactics that try to bypass the rules, including using forged documents and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that hide a user’s location.
In a statement on Monday, Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that there is “no one-size-fits-all solution” but stressed that the report shows age checks can be “private, efficient, and effective.” She stated that these companies are among the wealthiest in the world and lead in AI, so they should use the user data they have for various commercial purposes to ensure online safety for children. The minister emphasised that there is no reason for social media platforms not to have a mix of age verification methods ready by the December 10 deadline.
Under the new rules, technology companies could face fines of up to A$50 million if they do not take “reasonable steps” to prevent individuals under 16 from having accounts. The exact definition of “reasonable steps” is still being determined. Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube will be affected by the ban.
While polls show broad support among Australian adults for the policy, some mental health advocates have expressed concerns. Furthermore, some mental health advocates worry that the ban could isolate children and drive them to less regulated areas of the internet. Moving further, these advocates suggest that the government should focus on improving efforts to police harmful content on social media platforms and teach children how to navigate the digital world responsibly.
