Australia could use a range of technologies to enforce its upcoming ban on social media for users under 16, but a new report reveals that these methods come with limitations. The ban, effective from December, aims to mitigate social media's harmful impacts. While many parents support the initiative, experts express concerns about privacy and the reliability of age verification technologies.
The government requires platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. A recent evaluation by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme examined enforcement possibilities, including document verification and behavioral analysis. However, no single method stood out as universally reliable.
Experts warn against the potential for privacy breaches, particularly when using government documents for verification, and caution about the accuracy of facial recognition technology, which may not effectively distinguish ages near the cut-off of 16.
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the need for multiple age assurance methods, urging tech companies, equipped with sophisticated data and AI, to protect children online. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines for these platforms. While many adults support restrictions, critics argue this could alienate youth from necessary social connections or drive them to less regulated spaces.
As Australia ventures into this uncharted territory, the balance between child safety and digital freedom remains a heated debate.
The government requires platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. A recent evaluation by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme examined enforcement possibilities, including document verification and behavioral analysis. However, no single method stood out as universally reliable.
Experts warn against the potential for privacy breaches, particularly when using government documents for verification, and caution about the accuracy of facial recognition technology, which may not effectively distinguish ages near the cut-off of 16.
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the need for multiple age assurance methods, urging tech companies, equipped with sophisticated data and AI, to protect children online. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines for these platforms. While many adults support restrictions, critics argue this could alienate youth from necessary social connections or drive them to less regulated spaces.
As Australia ventures into this uncharted territory, the balance between child safety and digital freedom remains a heated debate.
