Teens banned from using Social Media: While Australia is moving towards a social media shutdown for children below 16. A government-commissioned trial yielded evidence that technology to facilitate it is “private, robust and effective.” The early results, published on June 21, 2025, suggest that behind it, the mechanics might rescue confidence among policymakers and concerned citizens. But more and more experts are questioning accuracy, privacy, and long-term impact.
It was a test conducted by the Australian federal government and aimed to test technology that will authenticate the age of users. And prevent underage registration on sites like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Preliminary signs suggest that age-verifying technology tested using what may include biometric scans, document checks. And artificial intelligence-powered facial recognition is performing well and securely.
These solutions were said to be capable of protecting user information and remain in step with the looming legal actions. This would provide space for the problem-free implementation of the ban, scheduled for December 2025.
Even as the government takes credit for the initiative being a move in the right direction in protecting children on the internet. Its critics argue that the mechanisms utilized are invasive and untrustworthy. Privacy experts caution against facial scanning and applications of biometrics being tampered with or manipulated, posing a threat to information security and surveillance.
Others identify a lack of accessibility inequity. Those without official records or electronic access might be unnecessarily excluded from learning or communication.
Some digital rights groups and researchers further argue that other comparable systems tried elsewhere. Europe, have produced conflicting outcomes. The technical bypassing problem through the utilization of VPNs or pseudonymous personas and the lack of a worldwide universal standard generate doubt about the effectiveness of the bans.
Also Read: France to Ban Social Media for Children under 15
As much as the Australian government hopes that the new trial will succeed. Experts caution that it should be rolled out gradually and in a way that is transparent. Until December when the ban takes effect, time will be the only witness to tell if the technology can achieve an optimal mix of child protection and civil liberties or usher in a new age of digital activism.
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