Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Australia's Age-Verification Software Faces Accuracy Concerns
Australia is preparing to ban kids under 16 from social media.
To enforce this, they're testing software that checks ages using selfies.
The tests showed that it generally works well, but accuracy drops around the age of 16.
This could cause issues when the ban starts in December.
Some people might get blocked by mistake, and others might not be blocked when they should.
The report found that the software's accuracy varied for different groups, like older adults, non-Caucasian users, and female-presenting individuals, which has sparked concerns.
Australian government report assessed age-verification software.
The report found reduced accuracy for people near the age cut-off.
Social media platforms must block users under 16 or face fines.
Software accuracy was lower for certain groups, including non-Caucasians and female-presenting individuals.
The December ban's implementation raises questions due to accuracy variations.
- Who
- Australian government, social media platforms
- What
- Report on age-verification software accuracy
- When
- Published Monday
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- Assess age verification for a social media ban for teens
Concerns
Government Stance
Software Accuracy
Concerns
Questions about if the ban can work with varying levels of accuracy.
Government Stance
While there's no one-size-fits-all solution to age assurance, there are many effective options and user privacy can be safeguarded.
- Report Publisher
- Australian Government
- Focus
- Accuracy of age-verification software
- Social Media Platforms
- Must block users under 16 or face fines
- Accuracy near Age Cutoff
- Worsening results
- Groups with Reduced Accuracy
- Older adults, non-Caucasian users, and female-presenting individuals
- Fine for Non-Compliance
- Up to A$49.5 million ($32 million)
