Australia Pushes for Subtle Age Checks in Teen Social Ban

• Australia calls on social platforms to use AI and behavioral data for age detection as it enforces a ban on users under 16 starting this December.

Age Verification Without Heavy Intrusion

Australia has formally requested that social media platforms adopt “minimally invasive” methods to verify user age under its upcoming teen usage ban. The law, passed in November 2024, prohibits individuals under 16 from accessing social media, with enforcement beginning December 10. Rather than requiring blanket age checks, the government encourages platforms to use existing behavioral and AI-driven data to infer age. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that platforms already possess the targeting capabilities needed for such detection.

According to Grant, the same precision used in advertising can be applied to age estimation without disrupting adult user experiences. She clarified that widespread re-verification would be unreasonable and unnecessary. The guidance aims to balance privacy concerns with effective enforcement. Platforms are expected to deactivate underage accounts and prevent re-registration through intelligent systems.

Platforms Face Deadline and Broader Scrutiny

The ban initially excluded YouTube, but was expanded in July to include the Alphabet-owned platform following industry feedback. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, along with Snapchat and TikTok, had raised concerns about inconsistent application. Data from February 2025 showed that 95% of teens aged 13 to 15 had used at least one social media platform since the start of the year. Officials warned that actual usage rates may be even higher, prompting calls for stricter oversight.

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells urged companies to take “reasonable steps” to identify and remove underage users. She stressed the importance of accessible complaint mechanisms and safeguards against account re-creation. In her remarks, Wells likened the effort to policing digital threats rather than attempting full control. The government maintains that platforms have the resources and technology to comply, leaving little room for delay or resistance.

Global Attention and Mental Health Concerns

Australia’s move is being closely watched by governments and tech firms worldwide, as it represents the first national-level restriction of social media access based on age. The initiative stems from growing concern over the mental health effects of online platforms on young users. Companies were given a full year to prepare for the law’s implementation, with the final deadline approaching in December. Failure to comply could result in regulatory consequences and reputational damage.

The eSafety office continues to refine its recommendations, focusing on methods that avoid intrusive data collection while remaining effective. AI and behavioral analytics are seen as viable tools for age estimation without requiring official identification. This approach reflects a broader trend toward privacy-conscious regulation in digital spaces. If successful, Australia’s model may influence future policies in other jurisdictions.