A report has outlined various technologies that Australia could use to enforce its upcoming social media ban for users under 16, although each method presents its own challenges and limitations. This ban, effective in December, aims to mitigate the adverse effects of social media, positioning Australia as a potential leader in this area, attracting global attention.
The new regulations require social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. While the initiative has garnered support from many parents, experts have expressed concerns related to data privacy and the effectiveness of age verification technologies.
The Australian federal government commissioned the Age Check Certification Scheme from the UK to explore enforcement methods for the ban, and their findings, released recently, highlight various options. These methods include formal age verification with government documents, parental consent, and technology that assesses age based on facial features or user behavior. However, the report concluded that no single solution would universally address all scenarios effectively.
Among the methods evaluated, verifying identities through official documentation was deemed the most accurate, yet the report raised issues regarding the potential for platforms to retain personal data longer than necessary, raising privacy concerns. It noted that Australia has faced significant data breaches in recent years, resulting in the theft and misuse of sensitive personal information.
While facial assessment technology showed a 92% accuracy rate for individuals aged 18 and older, it is less reliable for those around the age of 16, leading to possible misidentifications. The report also highlighted concerns surrounding parental verification methods.
To build a strong verification system, the report recommended a layered approach to technology. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that no single solution exists but emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technologies to protect children online. Failure to comply could result in significant penalties for tech companies, including major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, which are directly impacted by the ban.
Polling suggests that a majority of Australian adults support restrictions on social media access for those under 16, although some mental health advocates caution that the ban could result in unintended consequences, such as disconnecting children from social connections or pushing them toward less regulated areas of the internet. They argue that improving oversight of harmful content and equipping children with digital literacy skills may be more effective strategies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyrkj0d44vo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss