With the Australian governments plan to ban those under the age of 16 from accessing certain social media app has come the challenge of how to enforce it. This will mostly come through a need to be able to verify one’s age online, and after some investigating it appears to not be as simple as the government wishes it to be.
A major study was conducted recently, commissioned by the government has identified several challenges and barriers that may prove difficult. The study involved several different approaches to the verify one’s age online. So far the study has identified issues with accuracy in age verification and risks to individual privacy. The study revealed that age verification could e executed “privately, efficiently and effectively” yet there are “substantial technological limitations”. Major concern however came in the way of cybersecurity and users data.
“This report is the latest piece of evidence showing digital platforms have access to technology to better protect young people from inappropriate content and harm,… While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to age assurance, this trial shows there are many effective options and importantly that user privacy can be safeguarded.” – Communications Minister Annika Wells
It’s been reported that the technology used for the study was able to accurately identify false documents and fake individuals whilst verifying real individuals and their age by checking against a government issued document. Some dangers arose though with the risks of the specific information it required to verify your age and the providers potentially having all that data.
The benefit of using an age estimation is that it would do away with needed to provide sensitive documentation such as drivers license, passport and birth certificate. But some of the ways they can verify your age is through biometrics such as a face scan, where the data provided can give an estimation of your age based on your physical appearance.
As of right now it seems there are too many uncertain factors for the government to have a set plan in place just yet on how they can accurately ban these apps for the young generation. But the deadline is still roughly 6 months away and tests and alternative methods are still being investigated.
