The Albanese Government has today published in full the final report of the independent Age Assurance Technology Trial, which found age assurance technology is effective in protecting young Australians from explicit and age-inappropriate content online.
The trial assessed more than 60 technologies from 48 age assurance vendors, and spanned a range of approaches, including:
age verification - matching users with provided documentation
age estimation - including based on physical features and hand movements
age inference - using existing information to infer the user's age.
The trial report reveals age assurance is practical and achievable.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the report clearly states there are a range of technologies that can be used effectively for different use cases - many of which are already being used by online service in Australia and abroad.
The report also highlights that tools and systems exist to actively address circumvention, such as AI-generated spoofing, document forgeries and the use of VPNs.
Australians have high expectations of platforms to protect their data and age assurance providers involved in the trial demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of privacy and personal information.
The report findings are part of a broad evidence base being considered by the eSafety Commissioner in developing guidance to industry regarding the social media minimum age obligation. Failure to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having an account could see age-restricted platforms fined up to $49.5 million.
The independent Age Assurance Technology Trial was conducted by the Age Check Certification Scheme and can be viewed here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"The Albanese Government is on the side of families and we're pushing forward with our mission to keep kids safer online through world-leading reforms.
"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."
