The official trial of age assurance technologies aimed at preventing under-16s from accessing social media platforms in Australia has concluded with mixed results. While the trial identified effective options, it also highlighted that errors in age estimation are inevitable, particularly for users close to the age threshold.
The comprehensive report, released by Communications Minister Anika Wells, details the findings of the $6.5 million trial conducted by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS). The trial tested 60 technologies from 48 vendors, exploring methods such as facial age estimation, age verification using IDs, parental controls, and more.
Key Findings and Challenges
The report underscores the necessity for multiple “fallback options” like ID checks when age estimation technologies fail. ACCS conducted over 28,000 facial age estimation tests, revealing that most were completed in under 40 seconds. However, the technology struggles with accuracy, especially for users within two years of the age limit.
“False negatives will then be inevitable and alternative methods will be required to correct them,” the report stated, emphasizing the need for a layered approach to age assurance.
The trial also noted significant issues with false rejection rates for 16 and 17-year-olds, with rates at 8.5% and 2.6% respectively. Moreover, the report highlighted biases in the technology, particularly affecting older adults, non-Caucasian users, and female-presenting individuals, as well as a lack of representation of Indigenous people in training data.
Implications for Privacy and Regulation
While some biometric methods like hand gestures and voice analysis show promise, they remain underdeveloped for widespread use. The report also raised concerns about privacy, noting that some providers might be over-preparing to meet regulatory demands, potentially leading to privacy breaches.
“There was concerning evidence that without guidance, some providers were over-anticipating the eventual needs of regulators,” the report warned.
Age inference, which estimates a user’s age based on account behavior, was found useful for flagging potential underage access. However, the report noted that circumvention tactics, such as using VPNs, pose additional challenges.
Looking Forward: A Complex Path Ahead
Minister Wells acknowledged the complexity of implementing a one-size-fits-all solution, stating, “This trial shows there are many effective options and importantly that user privacy can be safeguarded.” The federal government remains committed to enhancing online safety for children through pioneering reforms.
The trial’s findings will inform the upcoming enforcement of Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, set to take effect in December. As the nation navigates these regulatory waters, the balance between effective age assurance and user privacy will be crucial.
As the digital landscape evolves, the trial’s insights underscore the ongoing need for adaptable and privacy-conscious solutions to protect young users online.
