Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Age Verification Technology Can Be Effectively Implemented

An official report commissioned by the Australian government has concluded that the country’s upcoming ban on social media usage for children under 16 can be effectively enforced. Set to begin in December 2025, the law aims to prevent underage users from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The report explored various age verification technologies, including AI-based facial recognition, ID checks, and parental consent mechanisms. While the technology works effectively, the study highlighted challenges, particularly with accuracy for certain demographic groups. Non-Caucasian, older, and female-presenting users faced reduced accuracy with age detection, and indigenous populations were underrepresented in training datasets. Additionally, 16-year-olds had a higher chance of being incorrectly rejected when verifying their age. The report emphasizes that while no single solution fits all scenarios, there are various methods that can be tailored to different use cases. Critics, including Justine Humphry from the University of Sydney, expressed concern about the accuracy of these tools, especially with the law’s tight implementation timeline. Platforms failing to adhere to the new law could face fines up to AUS$50 million. This report follows similar measures already in place in the UK under Ofcom’s internet safety regulations.