Report Says Existing Methods to Keep Australian Teens Off Social Media Have Risks

Australia is moving ahead with a new rule that will ban children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts. The law is set to take effect in December and has been described as a world-first attempt to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube will be required to take reasonable steps to block underage users or face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32.6m). 

The ban has gained strong support from parents and most Australian adults. Many believe it will reduce the negative impact that constant online access can have on children’s mental health. At the same time, the policy has drawn international attention, with leaders around the world watching to see how it will be enforced and whether it can actually succeed. 

To test the options, the government hired the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme to examine how companies could keep under-16s off their platforms. The report, released recently, found that several methods were possible, but none were without problems. Techniques studied included checking identity documents, requiring parental approval, or using technology that estimates age through facial recognition or behavior patterns. 

While identity document checks were judged the most accurate, they also raised serious concerns. Experts worry that companies might store personal data for longer than necessary, or share it with regulators, creating risks for privacy. These concerns are especially serious in Australia, which has suffered several major data breaches in recent years. 

Facial recognition was found to be 92 percent accurate for adults, but the accuracy dropped when dealing with children close to the age of 16. This means some children could be wrongly allowed on platforms, while some teenagers old enough might be unfairly blocked. Parental approval methods also came with privacy and accuracy risks. 

Because no single option was fully reliable, the report suggested that companies use a combination of methods to make the system stronger. It also noted that children might still find ways around the rules by using fake documents or virtual private networks to hide their location. 

The Australian government insists that social media companies have the ability to solve the problem. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the companies already use advanced artificial intelligence and data tools for business, and they should apply the same effort to protect children. 

Still, some experts warn the ban could isolate children or push them toward less safe corners of the internet. Others believe the government should focus more on reducing harmful content and teaching children how to use the internet responsibly. 

Companies like Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP) that focus on AI-backed social media marketing are likely to take a keen interest in the developments in Australia as they could provide a model that other jurisdictions take a leaf from in their bid to protect minors from the risks associated with social media. 

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