Australia is set to introduce a landmark ban on social media for children under 16, which is scheduled to take effect in December. This policy aims to mitigate the detrimental effects of social media on young users, and it is being observed by leaders around the world as a potential model for similar legislation.
The government’s plan mandates that social media platforms take 'reasonable steps' to prevent Australian children from creating accounts and to deactivate existing ones. While the initiative has gained popularity among parents, experts have raised alarm over privacy issues and the reliability of age verification technologies.
A report commissioned by the federal government and executed by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme explored various enforcement methods, including formal verification using government documents, parental approval, and advanced technologies like facial recognition. However, it found no universal solution that could effectively accommodate all cases, citing concerns for user privacy and data retention.
Among the methods examined, verifying identity documents proved to be the most reliable but posed privacy risks regarding data security and compliance with regulations. Furthermore, age verification via facial assessment was noted to have a high accuracy rate, yet it also raised concerns about inaccuracies within a 'buffer zone' around the age of 16, which could lead to improper account access or blockage.
Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that there is no 'one-size-fits-all solution' but emphasized the need for multiple methods to effectively safeguard children online. As part of the new legislation, tech companies that do not adequately enforce these restrictions could face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million).
While polling suggests a majority of Australian adults support the ban, mental health advocates warn that it could isolate children and drive them towards less regulated areas of the internet. Critics are calling for a focus on responsible content management over prohibitive measures.
