Social media companies in Australia are now required to take significant steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing their platforms. This initiative follows the introduction of new regulations that mandate these companies to detect and deactivate accounts belonging to minors. The guidelines, set to be released by Communications Minister Anika Wells and e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, aim to enforce these age restrictions effectively.
Under this pioneering legislation, platforms must not only identify underage accounts but also ensure that young users cannot easily bypass these restrictions. Relying solely on users’ self-declarations regarding their age will no longer be acceptable as a means of compliance. While social media sites will not be required to verify the age of every user, the expectation is that they implement reasonable measures to uphold these new laws.
Implementation Requirements and Penalties
The forthcoming guidelines will outline a principles-based approach, allowing platforms flexibility in how they comply with the regulations. They will not be mandated to use specific age verification technologies, including those examined during a recent age assurance trial. Importantly, the law prohibits social media companies from requiring users to submit government identification to verify their age, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout the process.
Failure to adhere to these regulations after the compliance deadline of December 10 could result in substantial penalties. Companies that do not take what are deemed “reasonable steps” to comply may face fines of up to $49.5 million. Minister Wells has emphasized the community’s expectation that social media platforms play a proactive role in safeguarding young users online.
Wells stated, “This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations that social media platforms step up to the plate to implement the minimum age in a way that is effective, private, and fair on Australian users.” She also noted that the government has provided platforms with the necessary information to enable compliance.
Technology’s Role and Privacy Concerns
The e-Safety Commission’s guidance highlights the importance of providing transparent and accessible information regarding age assurance systems to users. A recent trial that evaluated over 60 different tools found that technology can effectively prevent children from accessing explicit or inappropriate content. The available solutions are designed to enforce these laws in a manner that prioritizes privacy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Despite these advancements, the report raised concerns about potential data retention issues. It warned that technology companies might collect and retain unnecessary data in anticipation of future regulations, posing a risk of privacy breaches. As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, the Australian government is taking decisive action to ensure that children are protected in the digital space.
