Australia’s upcoming ban on social media use for children under 16 faces significant technical and privacy hurdles, according to a new government-commissioned report.

Set to take effect on December 10, the policy aims to protect young Australians from the harmful effects of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, drawing global attention as a potential world-first approach.

The report, commissioned by the federal government and conducted by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme, examined various enforcement methods including identity document verification, parental approval, and age-assessment technologies based on facial structure, gestures, and user behavior. While all methods were deemed technically feasible, the report concluded there is no single solution that guarantees full effectiveness across all scenarios.

Identity verification emerged as the most accurate method but raised major privacy concerns. Experts warned that platforms could retain sensitive data longer than necessary or share it with regulators, risks amplified by recent high-profile data breaches in Australia. Facial assessment technology achieved 92% accuracy for adults but struggled with users near the age threshold of 16, resulting in false positives and negatives. Parental approval methods also faced scrutiny over both accuracy and data protection.

The report recommended a “layered” approach, combining multiple verification methods to improve effectiveness, and noted ongoing efforts by tech companies to prevent circumvention through document forgery, VPN use, and other tactics.

Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the complexities, stating that while no single solution is perfect, age checks can be implemented to be “private, efficient, and effective.” She urged tech companies to act: “These are some of the world’s richest companies… I think it is reasonable to ask them to use that same data and tech to keep kids safe online. There is no excuse for social media platforms not to have a combination of age assurance methods in their platforms ready for December 10.”

Under the new legislation, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16 Australians from creating or maintaining accounts. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million). While polling indicates broad public support for the ban, experts have raised concerns about its unintended consequences. Mental health advocates warn that restricting access could isolate children online and push them toward unregulated digital spaces, urging authorities to focus on policing harmful content and promoting digital literacy alongside enforcement.

With the December deadline approaching, Australia’s implementation of the ban will be closely watched worldwide, as the nation attempts to balance child protection with privacy, accuracy, and enforceability. (ILKHA)