A new report prepared by the Australian government has questioned the accuracy of selfie-based age estimation software ahead of the social media ban for those under 16 that will come into effect in December.
While the report emphasizes that photo-based systems are generally fast and privacy-respecting, it states that error rates reach “unacceptable levels”, especially among young people close to the age of 16, women, and different ethnic groups.
The process is quite critical for companies: Platforms including Meta’s Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube risk a fine of AU$49.5 million if they fail to block those under 16.
While high accuracy was achieved for those over 19 in the trials, it was found that 8.5% of 16-year-olds were incorrectly shown as younger.
In this case, additional methods such as authentication or parental consent may be required.Media researcher at the University of Sydney, Justine Humphry, commented, “The system needs to be secure and problem-free until the end of the year, but this discrepancy in accuracy rates is worrying.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells said, “There is no single solution, but these trials have proven that effective methods exist and user privacy can be protected.”
