Australia Passes Landmark Social Media Age Verification Law
The law, passed by the Senate, mandates that age checks cannot rely solely on government-issued IDs, ensuring alternative methods like facial age estimation are available. Set to take effect in a year, the legislation has sparked debate, with critics questioning the inclusion of Digital ID and raising concerns about implementation challenges.
Challenges and Exemptions Under Scrutiny
Exemptions for messaging apps and educational services have raised questions about enforcement, particularly for platforms requiring linked accounts like Facebook Messenger. While companies face fines for non-compliance, individuals and parents are not penalised. The law aims to increase platform accountability, though critics argue it lacks detail and relies on further rules to be defined in 2025.
Next Steps for Platforms and Lawmakers
Meta and other social media companies have called for consultation to ensure the rules are feasible and consistent across platforms. Suggestions like app store-level age verification are being explored. The next year will be critical in refining the law’s implementation and addressing concerns raised during the debate.