Media release - Age assurance technology questions

Melissa McIntosh MP 
Shadow Minister for Communications 
Shadow Minister for Women 
Federal Member for Lindsay 

1 September 2025 

Age assurance technology questions 

Today, the long-awaited Age Assurance Technology Trial has been released by the Albanese Government and the eSafety Commission.  

However, with 100 days to go until the social media age minimum is live, Australians will still have to wait for the eSafety Commissioner to give clear instructions on what ‘reasonable steps’ social media companies need to implement to ensure those under 16 do not have accounts on their platforms. 

The report found companies could check identification documents, use facial estimation or review a person’s online footprint.  

The Albanese Labor Government’s own age assurance technology Stakeholder Advisory Board was not provided with the report prior to its publication this morning.  

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh said, “in 100 days the Albanese Labor Government’ social media age minimum commences, and social media platforms are still no closer to definitive answers on what ‘reasonable steps’ they must take for under-16s to not hold accounts.” 

“Families and the tech industry will now be kept waiting by the eSafety Commissioner who will review the report and assert what ‘reasonable steps’ social media platforms must implement. It is the eSafety Commissioner who has this power, not the government.  

“The Age Assurance Technology Trial report suggests three forms of potential identification verification processes including reviewing someone’s online footprint, providing personal identification documents or facial recognition. 

“For months now, there has been reporting on the dangers of facial recognition software for verification purposes given there can be an inaccuracy range of two or three years of age, meaning those who are 13 could sneak through the cracks and have social media accounts.  

“It is extraordinary that the report was publicly released this morning before the Albanese Government’s age assurance Stakeholder Advisory Board saw it. The government appointed this board for consultation purposes and have left them behind. It demonstrates the government’s usual cloak and dagger approach to policy development and industry consultation.  

“This report coming at ten seconds to midnight before the age limit commences is akin to the disastrous way in which the Communications portfolio has been managed by the Albanese Labor Government over the last three years. We are still waiting on responses to a regional telecommunications review, gambling advertising changes and the release of a consultation paper for the News Bargaining Incentive.”