Social media companies in Australia will not be required to verify the age of every user or adhere to a strict standard for removing underage users, as the federal government confirms a more lenient approach to its under-16 social media ban. The long-awaited details of the ban’s enforcement will be unveiled on Tuesday, outlining the steps platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok must take to comply with the new law.
Platforms are mandated to demonstrate to the eSafety Commissioner that they have taken “reasonable steps” to remove accounts of users under 16. However, there will be no legally enforceable standard for accuracy. According to a preview of the rules, platforms aren’t required to use specific technologies for age verification but must maintain transparency and consistency in their policies and have a dispute resolution process in place.
Balancing Privacy and Regulation
The announcement comes as the government seeks to balance the enforcement of the age ban with privacy safeguards. Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant have indicated that the guidelines will not be overly prescriptive, acknowledging that some underage accounts may slip through the cracks. This approach aims to avoid a heavy-handed method of blanket age verification that could infringe on user privacy.
The law, passed last year, prohibits platforms from relying solely on government-issued IDs for age verification, despite a government-backed study identifying it as the most effective method. Instead, platforms are encouraged to adopt a “layered” approach, utilizing multiple methods to assess age, such as AI-driven models that analyze facial scans or user behavior, minimizing user friction.
“The government has done the work to ensure that platforms have the information they need to comply with the new laws — and now it’s on them to take the necessary steps,” Communications Minister Anika Wells stated.
Industry Concerns and Compliance Expectations
The publication of these guidelines marks the final step before the ban takes effect on December 10. However, it has raised concerns within the industry, particularly regarding the immediate enforcement of compliance and potential fines from day one. Platforms had hoped for a grace period during consultations with eSafety, and some sought more prescriptive guidelines to reduce ambiguity.
The government, however, argues that the one-year lead time provided ample preparation time for platforms. The technology study supports the notion that multiple approaches can be effective, leaving platforms with “no excuse” for non-compliance.
“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,” Ms. Wells emphasized.
Broader Regulatory Context and AI Concerns
This development follows a series of regulatory measures by the Albanese government to ensure technology companies operate within a “social licence.” Recently, Ms. Wells took action against exploitative “nudify” apps and proposed taxing platforms unless they compensate media outlets for news content shared by users.
In a related move, Industry Minister Tim Ayres will address the Tech Council’s annual summit, advocating for further regulation of artificial intelligence to ensure its responsible use. According to a preview of his speech, Ayres will emphasize the need to address AI risks collectively and democratically, ensuring that its benefits are shared widely, not just among AI firms and large corporations.
“Trust is a really precious commodity. It’s slow to accumulate, quick to dissipate, and slower still to rebuild. Make trustworthiness a central pillar of the work you do in fostering AI uptake,” Mr. Ayres will assert.
As Australia navigates these regulatory challenges, the government remains focused on balancing innovation with user safety and privacy. The new social media age ban rules exemplify this delicate equilibrium, as authorities strive to protect young users while respecting individual privacy rights.
