Social giants hit with rules ahead of December 10 social media age ban

Social media platforms will not be able to rely on users to self-declare their ages under the incoming social media ban for children under 16, and will need to created layered approach to prevent minors from accessing their apps.

With the ban due to start in less than three months on December 10, Communications Minister Anika Wells has released the steps platforms will have to take to ensure they are complying with the laws, or risk financial penalties of up to $49.5m.

Platforms are expected to detect and deactivate or remove existing underage accounts, and put in measures to prevent underage users from re-registering or flouting the rules.

This must be done through a layered approach to reduce error rates, and give users options on the verification process. It cannot solely rely on the user to input their birthday.

In the event of an error or complaint, platforms must also have accessible review avenues to rectify any issues, and systems must be consistently monitored and improved.

Social media companies will also be required to disclose information and statistics to the office of the eSafety Commissioner and the public.

While the rules do not enforce a specific age-verification method, platforms are explicitly banned from solely asking for government-issued ID to verify a teenagers age, however platforms can request ID if used alongside a tranche of options.

Apps also can’t transfer underage users to a supplementary app, or specialty platform created for children under 16 unless they explicitly give their consent to do so.

Ms Wells said the new guidance from eSafety would ensure platforms understood their responsibilities.

“This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations that social media platforms step up to the plate to implement the minimum age in a way that is effective, private, and fair on Australian users,” she said.

“The government has done the work to ensure that platforms have the information they need to comply with the new laws – and it’s now on them to take the necessary steps.

“Parents, kids – indeed the entire Australian community – are relying on them to keep young Australians safer online.”

In August, the final report following the Age Assurance Technology Trial found it was possible to “privately, efficiently and effectively,” with the test using different technologies from 48 providers.

However, the report also said current systems were prone to errors, with young women and people with darker skin tones more likely to be incorrectly assessed by the technology.