Australia is moving closer to enforcing one of the world’s toughest online safety laws: a ban preventing anyone under 16 from joining social media platforms without verified parental consent. Meta, whose apps dominate Australia’s youth online ecosystem, is now preparing substantial modifications to comply before the law comes into force in 2025.
Meta Confirms Work on Strengthened Age Verification Tools
The company has revealed it is developing new AI-driven age-assessment systems designed to identify underage users more accurately. Although Meta has used facial-age estimation technology in limited markets, Australia will require more rigorous checks under the country’s draft Online Safety (Age Assurance) legislation.
A Meta spokesperson said the company is exploring “multiple verification pathways,” including identity documents, biometric estimation, and parental confirmation workflows.
Government Demands Clear Proof of Under-16 User Identity
Under the new rules, Meta must verify that all new accounts comply with the age threshold. More critically, existing accounts suspected to be run by underage users will be flagged for mandatory re-verification.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has emphasized that “voluntary age-guessing” methods will no longer be acceptable. Companies must show measurable accuracy and ensure minimal data retention to protect minors’ privacy.
Platforms Like Instagram and Facebook Expected to Implement Mandatory Account Checks
Meta is likely to introduce periodic age reconfirmation prompts for users flagged by automated systems. This includes teens whose posts, language patterns, or engagement behavior suggest they may be younger than declared.
Behind the scenes, Meta may also conduct algorithmic sweeps of historical account data, targeting inconsistencies typical of under-age sign-ups.
Parental Consent to Be Integrated Into App Experience
A major feature being tested is a parent–child account linking system, where guardians can approve sign-ups directly from their devices. Once enabled, parents will be able to:
-
Review and approve account creation
-
Receive notifications if settings change
-
Monitor age-related safety tools
This approach mirrors similar features rolled out in the U.S. and EU but with stronger compliance requirements dictated by Australian regulators.
Meta Warns of Implementation Challenges and Privacy Risks
Despite supporting the objective of youth safety, Meta has warned that government-mandated identity verification could push more data collection onto tech companies, creating new privacy issues.
Digital rights groups share these concerns, arguing that forcing minors to upload ID or biometric scans could set a dangerous precedent for online anonymity.
Australia’s Law May Influence Global Social Media Policies
If successful, Australia’s model may become a template for other countries debating stricter age controls. Industry analysts say Meta’s compliance strategy is being closely watched by the U.S., U.K., and EU policymakers, all of whom are weighing similar legislation.