Challenges in implementing Australia’s prohibition on social media use by those under 16 stem from platforms’ insufficient use of existing age verification tools, rather than limitations in the technology itself, according to a group representing verification providers. This assessment arrives as authorities intensify scrutiny of major tech firms for potential violations of the ban, which took effect in December and marks a global first. ‘The problem lies in implementation, not in the tools’ capabilities,’ stated Iain Corby, executive director of the Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA). Initial issues highlight the necessity for stricter standards and oversight, not deficiencies in age assurance methods, the group noted. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is examining platforms including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Google’s YouTube, TikTok, and Snap for possible infractions. Companies could face penalties up to A$49.5 million ($35 million) per violation, with the government collecting data to pursue legal action in federal court if adherence remains lacking. Early experiences demonstrate that age verification systems can function effectively on a large scale, but platforms often apply them inconsistently or omit them during critical stages like new account creation, per the association’s report. Representatives from TikTok and Snap offered no response, while Meta and Google could not be reached immediately. These observations counter claims by social media firms that age checks are unreliable, arguing instead that ongoing access by minors results from how platforms deploy or neglect available technologies, not from inherent flaws. Official figures indicate that millions of accounts suspected of belonging to underage users have been deleted since the law’s introduction. Nevertheless, the eSafety regulator has identified ongoing problems, such as not confirming ages when accounts are established, allowing multiple verification attempts until success, and depending on users’ self-reported ages. The AVPA report attributes most of these issues to platform practices rather than technological failures. Primary concerns include excessive dependence on proprietary models that estimate age from digital behavior, along with inadequate re-checking of current accounts. Prior to the ban, Australia evaluated AVPA members through an extensive pilot program. ($1 = A$1.3970)
