Australia has made global headlines by passing legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, marking the strongest regulatory move of its kind to date. This landmark law, which gives platforms one year to comply, could set a powerful precedent for other countries aiming to safeguard children online.
The legislation requires platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) to prevent under-16s from creating or accessing accounts—even with parental consent. The responsibility for compliance rests squarely on the platforms, not parents or children, and noncompliance could result in hefty penalties.
The law’s primary objective is to address the mental health and safety risks associated with unregulated access to social media, but its success will depend heavily on implementation. The world is watching Australia to see whether it can effectively balance protecting children with positive digital engagement and preserving digital engagement for older users.
The role of age verification technologies
At the heart of this new regulation lies the need for robust age assurance methods. Highly accurate, privacy-preserving, inclusive and user-friendly age verification solutions are essential to ensure compliance without compromising the user experience.
These technologies are already available. For example, email address or facial age estimation tools can provide non-intrusive alternatives to traditional verification methods, such as ID scans. These technologies are designed to estimate age to a high level of accuracy, with minimal impact on the user journey or the business.
While accuracy is vital, it’s also critical that age verification methods are privacy-preserving and without bias. Email address age estimation, for example, leverages existing data already collected by the platform—such as in the account creation process— removing the need for additional sharing of sensitive personal data or further user interaction, meaning businesses can deploy robust age verification processes that do not inversely impact user experience.
Beyond compliance: Designing age-appropriate experiences
While age verification ensures that platforms comply with the law, the broader opportunity lies in creating age-appropriate online experiences. As Lina, our Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs, explains:
“Platforms have a responsibility to design environments that are safe and engaging for younger audiences. By implementing safety tools that reduce exposure to age-inappropriate content or experiences in a frictionless manner, platforms reduce the likelihood of users simply seeking out unregulated or less reputable alternatives.
This means going beyond just implementing an age gate or an outright ban. Platforms should innovate to create tailored spaces where young users can engage positively while being shielded from potential harms. These age-appropriate experiences must also consider the unique needs and behaviours of younger audiences. Including young people in the design and discussion of these spaces is critical to ensuring their relevance and effectiveness.
But importantly, legislation must be enforced equitably across all platforms, rather than just focusing on the social media giants. This is key to ensure younger users aren’t simply pushed from established platforms to lesser known sites that aren’t on regulators’ radars.”
Global implications and the path forward
Australia’s Age Assurance Trial, led by the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS), demonstrates a commitment to validating the effectiveness of emerging technologies. Insights from this initiative will not only inform Australia’s rollout but could also shape future frameworks in other jurisdictions globally.
This legislation highlights the urgency of addressing online safety challenges, especially in relation to finding a balanced solution. By prioritising robust, privacy-preserving age verification methods and fostering age-appropriate online experiences, platforms can rise to meet the dual challenge of protecting young users while supporting their development via positive online experiences.
For social media companies, the countdown has begun. The next year will be critical in proving that these measures can be implemented effectively. Success could establish Australia as a global leader in creating safer, more inclusive digital spaces for young people.
Looking for highly effective age assurance solutions? Verifymy is ready to support platforms with cutting-edge age verification and estimation technologies that meet regulatory standards while preserving user privacy. Contact us to learn more.
