The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring Australian kids will be safer online with new guidance providing clear directions for platforms as part of our world-leading under-16 social media laws.
Under the guidance released by the eSafety Commissioner, social media platforms must implement the laws in an effective, private and fair way.
Under the guidance, the onus is on platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts on their services, including by proactively addressing attempts at circumvention. Platforms are also expected to take a layered approach to age assurance that increases confidence in age estimates.
The guidance also sets out expectations that platforms communicate transparently with users when implementing the minimum age, and work to continuously monitor and improve their systems. This includes continuing to adopt better technologies and solutions as they become available.
From 10 December, failure by platforms to take reasonable steps to comply with the new obligations can attract fines of up to $49.5 million.
The guidance has been developed by eSafety in consultation with industry and community stakeholders. It is informed by a broad evidence base including extensive consumer research and Government's Age Assurance Technology Trial.
