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2h ago

Tech Trial Clears Path for Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Preliminary findings reveal private, effective age verification methods accompanied by persistent accuracy issues alongside privacy challenges.

Two school students pose with their mobile showing social media applications in Melbourne, Australia, November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/File Photo
(Image: Private Media/Zennie)
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Overview

  • The full findings of the Age Assurance Technology Trial are scheduled for delivery to the government at the end of July, following a preliminary report this week.
  • The trial evaluated tools from 53 organisations, testing methods such as facial scans, behavioural age inference and parental control systems.
  • Some age-estimation tools demonstrated an average accuracy margin of plus or minus 18 months and only 85 percent success in identifying younger users, creating openings for evasion.
  • Operators were found to over-collect personal data to satisfy perceived regulatory demands, raising concerns over unnecessary data retention and privacy breaches.
  • Australia’s under-16 ban takes effect in December 2025, and international governments are monitoring its rollout as a potential model for similar online age-restriction laws.