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Parents across the world have long lamented the amount of time their children spend on devices, the variety of content consumed, and what the impact of that might be. Sometimes the effect is obvious, but in most cases, it is a slower and less noticeable process, and for many it’s a huge concern.
That is why Australia introducing a ban preventing children under 16 from accessing social media platforms is such a landmark decision. It is aimed at protecting the mental health and wellbeing of young people and highlights a growing global concern about the impact of social media on minors.
This policy shift underscores an urgent need for robust, privacy-first age verification solutions. What are the ban's implications, and what might it signal for the future of online safety worldwide?
Why is Australia banning social media for under-16s?
The Australian government's decision is based on mounting evidence that links social media usage with mental health challenges in children and adolescents. Studies such as this one by the Institute for Family Studies have shown correlations between excessive social media use and issues such as anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and body image concerns, particularly in teenage girls.
Australia’s plan involves not just a ban but a requirement for platforms to enforce stricter age verification processes to ensure compliance. This is part of a broader trend among policymakers globally who acknowledge the need for stricter measures to protect children online.
The age verification challenge
Australia’s proposed new policy highlights a crucial question: how can we ensure that users are of the appropriate age without compromising their privacy?
Traditional methods of age verification come with significant risk, such as threats to privacy and potential vulnerabilities for data breaches. User friction is also a concern – age verification should be as seamless and painless as possible.
A privacy-first solution
Age estimation, not conventional age verification, is the way forward. Our on-device, AI-driven technology can estimate a user’s age accurately without storing images or personal data. This ensures that platforms comply with regulations like Australia’s while protecting user privacy.
Our solution aligns with privacy-by-design principles, critical in an age where data security is paramount. Age estimation offers:
- Accuracy: Effective at preventing underage access to restricted platforms. Privately is EAL-3 certified by an independent conformity assessment body.
- Privacy Compliance: No retention of personal data, ensuring alignment with global privacy laws like GDPR. For example, Privately is UK-GDPR certified by an independent conformity assessment body.
- Scalability: Seamless integration for social media platforms without burdensome processes for users.
The global effect
The issues that led Australia to this proposed new law are the same in countries worldwide, and many will be paying close attention to what happens. The Australian ban could be the catalyst for a broader international movement towards stricter social media regulation and mandatory age verification.
As nations implement stricter age restrictions, the challenge will be ensuring these measures do not erode fundamental privacy rights. A subsequent discussion will be to ensure providing age-appropriate experiences to those who are deemed above the age limit; yet may require content moderated for their age range.
The future of online safety lies in technologies that prioritise protection and privacy. Governments, platforms, and tech providers must collaborate to adopt solutions that achieve this balance.
