Governments worldwide have long struggled with the complex issue of preventing minors from accessing pornography online, and Australia is taking significant steps to address this challenge. The Australian government has earmarked $900 million for initiatives aimed at combating gendered violence and preventing youth exposure to online pornography. This includes the introduction of a pilot program, fueled by a $6.5 million budget allocation, set to explore innovative age verification technologies.
Recent statistics from the eSafety commissioner reveal that 75% of Australian teens aged 16-18 have viewed porn online, with many encountering such content before reaching 13. The ubiquity of porn on major websites and social media platforms complicates the task, as does the easy bypass of current age verification methods.
The pilot will test various technologies, including facial analysis tools and third-party “tokens,” which verify age without compromising user privacy. These measures aim to create a robust system that can’t be easily circumvented, applies to companies worldwide, and protects the privacy of adults accessing content legally.
This initiative follows the UK’s reevaluation of similar strategies, indicating a global movement towards stricter online safeguards for children. The outcome of Australia’s pilot could set a precedent for effectively blending technology with regulatory measures to safeguard minors from inappropriate online content.
