The Australian government has enlisted software testers with expertise in defense and election systems to tackle a groundbreaking challenge: enforcing the world’s first national social media ban for teenagers.
Andrew Hammond, general manager of tech contractor KJR (which previously worked on deployment software for Australian troops in Afghanistan), is overseeing one of the largest-ever trials of age-checking technology. The trial will involve about 1,200 randomly selected Australians from January to March to test and enforce a social media ban.
This study could set the global standard for how lawmakers and tech platforms implement age restrictions on social media, especially at a time when youth mental health and data collection are growing concerns.
As for platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, and Snapchat, they must take steps to block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) starting in late 2025. Meanwhile, platforms like Google and YouTube, often used in educational settings, are exempt.
Although the legislation hasn’t provided clear specifics on this step, options being explored include age estimation through video selfies or cross-checking with other accounts. The Age Check Certification Scheme, which will oversee the trial, is expected to offer recommendations by mid-2025.
Meanwhile, there are challenges persisting in the system as some lawmakers in the EU, US, and Australia worry the ban could jeopardize privacy and free speech, especially if it leads to personal data collection. However, Communications Minister Michelle Rowlands emphasized that the ban is aimed at protecting children, not enabling government control.
Another challenge is the accuracy of current age-checking technology. While products like Yoti, Meta’s partner for age verification, have made strides—successfully identifying people aged 13-17 as under 25—there is still no foolproof solution. Some minors may appear older, while others may seem younger, complicating age verification.
Lastly, children are resourceful and often find ways to bypass restrictions. Hammond acknowledged that in this trial, they will draw on their experiences as parents to address this challenge and prevent workarounds.
