Early Claims Lack Data, Say Experts and Stakeholders in Australia
The head of Australia Age Assurance Technology Trial has claimed that software could enforce a teenage social media ban. However, advisory board members and stakeholders are expressing doubts, citing the lack of supporting data in the preliminary results released on Friday, 20 June.
The trial, which ended earlier this month, was aimed at testing tools to limit underage access to social media platforms. But the initial report gave only a broad overview of the findings. No individual technologies were named, and no detailed results were included.
Bypass Tools Like VPNs Raise Enforcement Concerns
Since the government proposed the ban last year, critics have questioned its practicality. One major concern is the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which allow users to mask their location and potentially bypass software restrictions.
Colm Gannon, CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and a member of the trial’s advisory board, voiced his concerns about the trial’s lack of circumvention testing. He noted that teenagers are quick to adopt new technologies, making them highly capable of getting around restrictions.
“Young people are early adopters of technology. They move fast,” Gannon said. “They’ll adapt to roadblocks very, very quickly.”
Call for Transparency and Full Data
John Pane, chair of Electronic Frontiers Australia and another stakeholder in the trial, also raised issues about the limited data released. “It’s too early to say,” Pane commented. “In order to do a very sober and critical assessment of the technologies you need the data.”
The trial’s organisers have said that a full report will be submitted to the government next month. This report is expected to play a key role in shaping an industry consultation ahead of the planned December deadline.
Global Attention on Australia Ban Plans
Governments worldwide are watching the Australian trial closely. Many are also exploring ways to reduce children’s exposure to social media, making Australia’s approach a test case for similar policies.
with inputs from Reuters
