Australia has taken a firm stance on teen safety online, urging social media platforms to adopt ‘minimally invasive’ age checks. The country’s internet watchdog recently released guidance, stressing that tech companies should estimate users’ ages using existing data instead of demanding blanket age verification. The regulator argues that intrusive checks could deter people from using platforms and invade privacy.
Guidance for Tech Companies
Australia’s internet watchdog wants social media firms to prioritize user privacy while preventing underage access. The new guidance suggests that companies use information already collected, such as browsing habits or account activity, to estimate a user’s age. This approach aims to protect young users from potential online harms without exposing all users to strict and invasive verification processes.
Balancing Safety and Privacy
The regulator emphasizes that a blanket age verification process is unreasonable. Instead, the focus should be on smart, data-driven solutions. This strategy helps ensure that teens are kept safe from inappropriate content while respecting everyone’s privacy. The move signals Australia’s commitment to finding a balanced and effective solution for teen safety on social media.
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