Explore Your Face Age and ID: The Upcoming Transformation of Internet Use in Australia

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as the saying goes, “On the Internet, Nobody knows you’re a dog.” Yet in Australia, various platforms—from search engines to social media and app stores—may require confirmation of your age.

The Albanese government proudly announced the introduction of a law that prohibits under-16s from using social media, set to take effect in December. However, the new industry code created in collaboration with high-tech experts and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant may significantly influence how Australians navigate online.

Online services are implementing measures such as reviewing your account history, utilizing facial recognition age verification, and verifying age via bank cards. Identification documents, including driver licenses, will also be used to ensure compliance with the industry code effective since late June, and applicable to search engine logins starting in December.

The code mandates search engines to guarantee the age of all users. If an account holder is identified as under 18, the secure search function will activate, blocking access to adult content and other unsuitable material in search results.

Additionally, six more draft codes under consideration by the eSafety Commissioner will enforce similar age verification measures across various services regularly used by Australians.

Platforms that host or facilitate access to content like pornography, self-harming material, simulated violence, or any highly inappropriate content for minors must implement restrictions to prevent child access.

Last month, Inman Grant addressed the National Press Club, emphasizing the necessity for regulations to ensure child safety in all online spaces.

“It is vital to adopt a layered safety strategy that assigns responsibility and accountability to key chokepoints within the technology stack, such as app stores and device levels.”

The eSafety Commissioner previously announced intent behind the code during its development stage. Recent news coverage has renewed focus on its critical elements.

Some individuals welcome these changes. Recent reports indicate that Elon Musk’s AI Grok has integrated pornographic chat features. While Apple’s App Store is rated for ages 12 and up, advocates urge child safety organizations to reevaluate Apple’s ratings and enhance protective measures within its platform.

Both Apple and Google have begun implementing age verification at the device level, and apps may also be utilized to assess user age.

Justin Warren, founder of Pivotnine, a tech analysis firm, commented that the code represents a significant shift in communication regulations among Australians.

“It seems like a considerable overreaction following years of policy stagnation regarding the influence of major foreign tech companies,” he stated.

“It’s darkly amusing that more authority over Australians’ online experiences will be handed to those same foreign tech giants.”

Digi, an industry organization collaborating with eSafety Commissioners to establish the code, has opposed the idea of diminishing online anonymity, clarifying that the code targets specific platforms that handle or grant access to certain content.

“The Code introduces proportionate safeguards for accessing pornography and materials considered inappropriate for users under 18, such as highly violent content,” remarked Dr. Jenny Duxbury, Director of Digital Policy at Digi.

“These codes offer protective measures for specific circumstances rather than blanket identity verification requirements across the Internet.”

Duxbury noted that companies could utilize inference methods like account history and usage patterns to approximate users’ ages.

“Some services might opt for reasoning methods since they are effective and unobtrusive.”

However, those who attempt to implement such changes may be caught off guard, cautioned John Payne, chairman of Australia’s Electronic Frontier.

“It seems that many Australians are aware of the discussions around social media, but that’s not the case for the average person, especially when they’ll need to authenticate to access content rated for those over 18.”

Failure to adhere to the code could result in hefty penalties, including fines up to $49.5 million or social media bans. Further consequences may entail delisting from search results for non-compliant websites.

Payne advocates for introducing AI regulations that would prompt the federal government to reform privacy laws and enforce risk assessments for certain AI functions deemed as unacceptable risks.

He stresses the importance of legislating user care obligations for all digital service platforms.

“We believe this strategy would be more effective than relying solely on regulatory mandates,” he asserted.

Warren expressed skepticism, emphasizing that age verification technologies are effective, and highlighting that search engine codes were raised prior to the outcomes of the recent government review.

“Ultimately, theoretical applications must align with practical implementations.”

In response to a recent media report concerning the code, the eSafety Commissioner’s Office defended the age verification requirements for search engines.

“The sector’s code represents a critical opportunity to establish important safeguards, as search engines are key gateways for children to potentially harmful content,” stated the office.