Snapchat has officially begun implementing stricter age verification measures for users in Australia, a preemptive move ahead of one of the world's strictest laws regarding children's use of social media. A company spokesperson confirmed that these measures are being implemented before the December 10th deadline, when Canberra will begin enforcing a blanket ban on social media platforms for those under 16.
Verification mechanisms and deadline
Starting this week, users in Australia will face mandatory age verification prompts to ensure continued access to the app. The company explained that the verification process will involve multiple options to ensure accuracy, including:
- Using Australian bank account details.
- Present an official government-issued identity card.
- Age estimation technology involves capturing a photograph of the face, which is then processed by a specialized third party.
The platform clearly stated that accounts proven to belong to users under the age of 16 will be permanently closed by December 10th. In this context, Snapchat urgently advised teenagers to download their data and digital archives immediately, as access to them may become impossible after the ban takes effect.
Context of Australian law and its impact
This move comes in response to unprecedented Australian legislation that holds tech giants, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, responsible for preventing children from accessing their platforms, under penalty of hefty fines that could reach millions of dollars for non-compliance. This law, described by observers as "the toughest in the world," aims to protect the mental health of children and adolescents from the dangers of cyberbullying, digital addiction, and harmful content.
Snapchat's stance and the ongoing controversy
Despite its commitment to the app, Snapchat initially expressed its opposition to being included in the ban. The company warned that "separating teenagers from their social networks and families does not necessarily enhance their safety," noting that this measure could push young people toward using encrypted messaging apps or less secure and private platforms, making parental control more difficult.
Global repercussions and international monitoring
The impact of this event is not limited to Australia; it has garnered widespread attention from legislators and regulators worldwide. Several governments are monitoring the success of the Australian experiment and the effectiveness of age verification technologies to consider implementing similar models
- New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a similar bill to restrict children's access.
- The Netherlands: The government has issued official advice to parents to prevent children under the age of 15 from using apps such as TikTok and Snapchat.
While some platforms, such as WhatsApp, Discord, and YouTube Kids, are currently excluded from the list, Australian authorities have confirmed that they retain the right to update the list and expand the scope of the ban in accordance with new developments, which puts the entire technology sector before new regulatory challenges that could redraw the map of the internet for children and teenagers.
