ISLAMABAD: Australia’s ambitious plan to ban children under 16 from joining social media platforms has taken a major step forward, as a government-commissioned trial found that digital age verification systems can work “robustly and effectively.”
The landmark legislation, passed in November 2024, is one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
These platforms now face fines of up to AUS$50 million (US$32 million) if they fail to comply with the rules, which are set to take effect by the end of this year.
While tech companies have criticized the law as vague and rushed, citing concerns about privacy and feasibility, early results from the Age Assurance Technology Trial suggest the systems are viable.
The findings state that there are “no significant technological barriers” to implementing age verification in Australia.
Trial Proves Tech-Readiness for Enforcement
Tony Allen, project director of the trial, said the results show these tools can be rolled out with privacy protections intact.
He emphasized that the solutions are flexible, can be integrated into existing services, and support children’s rights and safety online.
In an interview with Nine Network, Allen acknowledged the challenges of preventing teenagers from bypassing these systems.
“I don’t think anything is completely foolproof,” he admitted, though he remained optimistic about the technology’s potential.
A total of 53 organizations participated in the trial, which explored various methods of verifying age digitally, from AI-powered facial analysis to government ID matching.
Global Implications of Australia’s Bold Move
The legislation is drawing attention globally, as other nations consider similar measures to protect minors online.
Recently, Greece put forward a proposal for the European Union to define a legal “age of digital adulthood,” which would bar children from accessing social media without parental consent.
Evidence linking excessive social media use to negative mental and physical health effects in children has driven much of the international interest.
Australia’s law could set a global precedent, especially if its tech-based enforcement proves both effective and scalable.
Despite industry resistance, the government is pressing ahead with implementation, aiming to set a new standard in digital child protection.
