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Australia has called on social media platforms to implement “least invasive” methods for verifying user ages, especially for teenagers, in connection with its pioneering social media ban for users under 16, set to begin in December. The nation emphasized that companies should utilize existing data, artificial intelligence, and behavioral insights rather than employing broad age verification measures, which are deemed unreasonable by regulators.
The eSafety commission highlighted that social media companies are capable of accurately estimating ages without mandatory blanket verification, given their advanced targeting capabilities. Commissioner Julie Inman Grant pointed out that these platforms can precisely target users with advertisements based on age, indicating they have the tools necessary for age estimation.
Grant also noted that enforcing universal re-verification of all users would be unreasonable, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach. Following feedback from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat regarding an earlier exemption of YouTube from the ban, Australia widened the restrictions to include the Google-owned platform in July.
Recent surveys indicate that about 95% of teenagers aged 13 to 15 have used at least one social media platform since January 2024, though the actual figure could be substantially higher. Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells urged social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to identify and deactivate underage accounts, prevent re-registrations, and establish accessible complaint mechanisms.
Wells underscored that these companies possess the resources and capabilities to comply with the law, which aims to aid mental health and protect young users. The legislation provides companies a year to implement these changes and requires deactivation of underage accounts by December 10.
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