Social Media: Platforms forced to delete child accounts and block kids re-registering as part of upcoming ban

Social media platforms have been told they will have to delete existing child accounts and block kids from re-registering or risk fines of almost $50 million when Australia’s underage ban comes into effect on December 10.

Communications Minister Anika Wells will on Tuesday release new guidelines to help big tech firms understand how they need to comply.

The guidance lays down key expectations, including deactivating accounts, preventing children under 16 from starting new ones, providing review mechanisms, and continuous monitoring.

It comes after the government released an 1200-page report on September 1 into age assurance technology.

It had found that while age verification is possible, it’s laden with risks, errors and bias.

The report also found the technology was less accurate for girls and non-Caucasian faces, with age estimates typically off by two to three years.

Ms Wells said the guidelines were designed to help platforms understand their responsibilities to meet the ban’s requirements.

“This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations,” she said.

“eSafety’s guidance makes clear that platforms must comply with the law, and also provide transparent and accessible information to their users about their age assurance systems.”

Under the ban, platforms can’t have a blanket approach to age verification or compel people to use their government ID to prove their age online. They must offer “reasonable alternatives” to just government ID.

Ms Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant recommend using minimally invasive techniques.

Platforms can be fined up to $49.5 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to comply with the new obligations.