The Australian government plans to implement new social media restrictions for users under the age of 16 within approximately 100 days. These steps are intended to increase the safety of minors online by requiring the implementation of ‘age assurance technology. Health experts are cautioning that the ban may have negative side effects, especially on marginalized communities.
Here’s what the federal government says the age assurance technology should do. Officials say it can be done both efficiently and effectively. Even with these reassurances, advocates have pointed to issues with the accuracy and inclusivity of these types of technologies. Justine Humphry, senior lecturer in digital cultures, The University of Sydney, cautions that mistakes in age verification will disproportionately affect more vulnerable demographics.
“These variations suggest that for diverse users, estimation and inference technologies can be inaccurate for sections of the population, especially for older adults and people who are non-Caucasian and those who are female presenting,” – Justine Humphry
Dana McKay, the recently appointed associate dean in interaction, technology, and information at RMIT, was equally enthusiastic. She explained that ban could inadvertently impact people of non-European descent. Added to this, members of the LGBTIQ+ community experience ‘intersectional vulnerability’.
“For most people, the ban will probably work and keep young people off social media. But for those most at risk, life is going to be a lot more difficult,” – Dana McKay
The Australian government could require users to upload government identification documents. This first step protects their online accounts while we walk them through implementation. This unnecessary requirement would pose further dangers and burdens to those who need to maintain their anonymity for their own safety.
Experts warn that vulnerable populations such as those fleeing domestic violence, hate, or seeking safe spaces online could lose critical access to resources when the social media ban takes effect. Though those accounts are frequently secretive, McKay noted, they can act as lifelines for people trying to leave deadly situations.
“Sometimes people who are fleeing domestic and family violence will even set these profiles up before they leave because we know that online information sources are actually quite important in helping people leave as well,” – Dana McKay
Humphry explained that if age-restrictive technologies are rolled out without taking existing problems into account, it can lead to unintended harm. To that end, she highlighted the need to shine a user privacy-focused lens on the data retention requirements and discuss their ramifications.
“There are potential risks to users’ data privacy, especially with regard to over-retention of data, digital tracking and cross-service data reuse,” – Justine Humphry
Additionally, she explained that differing name signatures from a diverse user base may result in transcribing errors when going through verification.
“If your name is not written in Latin script originally, there could be multiple spellings of your name, and that could result in different names on social media and potentially not the one that you want to use on your government documentation,” – Dana McKay
Additionally, Humphry noted that individuals exploring their queer identities might lose access to their authentic online personas due to restrictions.
“People exploring their queer identities but are still connected with relatives on social media, for instance, could lose access to their more authentic online persona,” – Justine Humphry
The Australian government says it will continue to improve how it rolls out and enforces the new legislation. That will occur later this year. As discussions surrounding these changes unfold, experts urge caution and a thorough examination of the potential impacts on marginalized groups.
