Social platforms urged to prepare for looming ban on under-16 users

The release of these resources came alongside the publication of the final report on the government’s age assurance technology trial, which provides the information social media platforms need to judge whether they are required to take action regarding under-age users.

Several platforms have already been targeted as definitely needing to act, while eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the self-assessment tool would help companies determine whether any of their services were eligible for exclusion from the Minister for Communications’ recently tabled rules.

Discussions are continuing between eSafety and technology companies in the lead-up to December 10, with eSafety making it clear that companies can’t simply rely on users’ self-declarations of age as evidence of their eligibility to hold an account.

“We know 95 per cent of Australian 10- to 15-year-olds currently hold at least one social media account,” Inman Grant said. “Companies must detect and de-activate these accounts from 10 December, and provide account holders with appropriate information and support before then.

“Many of these companies already use and deploy a range of viable age assurance methods today and we expect that efficacy will require layered safety measures, sometimes known as a ‘waterfall approach’,” she said.

In a statement, eSafety said it had “written to a comprehensive list of technology companies, including Google, Meta, Snap and TikTok, to clarify their position on whether they consider their platforms to be age restricted, and outline practical steps they can take now to be ready for the obligation coming into effect.”

Actions that eSafety is demanding from companies include:

• finding and preparing to de-activate accounts held by Australian under-16s
• providing clear, age-appropriate communications to those affected, including how to download their information and where to seek support
• taking reasonable steps to prevent children from evading restrictions by altering their account settings before December 10
• ensuring reporting and review systems for underage accounts are effective, accessible, transparent and timely
• scoping and implementing age assurance measures.

The organisation says that over the past three months, it has consulted with more than 340 participants representing more than 160 organisations. This included talking to more than 50 children and young people, in conjunction with the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition.

It said young users agreed that delaying social media access until after 16 might reduce harms, but they had demanded to know exactly how and when age assurance will happen on the platforms.

Inman Grant said it was clear that there was community support for the planned minimum age implementation.

“Australians have told us they want strong, practical protections that keep children safe without compromising privacy or fairness,” she said. “We have listened, and this feedback is shaping the guidance we are putting in place for industry.

“As the implementation date draws closer, there are now more critical pieces of the puzzle in place. This is the time for companies to start mobilising and planning for implementation, with further regulatory guidance to be available soon. Children, parents and carers are counting on services to deliver on their obligations and prepare their young users and the trusted adults in their lives for this monumental change,” she said.

More information

About planned restrictions: here

Consultation results: here