The Australian Government has confirmed the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) will spearhead a consortium to pilot age assurance technology, off the back of the recently announced social media ban for those under 16 years of age.

Currently certified by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the ACCS was awarded the tender to lead the Age Assurance Technology Trial, which has already become a crucial pillar in the government’s online safety program.

The trial, set to commence immediately with input from industry experts, will test the various technologies available that can better protect young people while they are active online, including reducing their access to harmful and inappropriate content. This will inform the introduction of initiatives to prevent access to online pornography by those under the age of 18 and to limit access to social media platforms for those under the age of 16.

Age assurance technologies will be used to verify users’ identity credentials to either accurately ascertain or estimate their age, by using biometric markers or digital usage patterns.

“The department is working closely with industry and communities to deliver the age assurance trial, which will play an important role in determining the most effective way to protect young people online,” Andrew Irwin, Assistant Secretary, Online Safety Branch, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, said.

“As world leaders in their field and with the help of industry experts, ACCS is well placed to lead the trial, which will inform next steps for this vital work.

“We look forward to the findings and insights that this trial will deliver.”

The pilot test will assess various components of age assurance including age verification, age estimation, age inference, parental certification or controls, technology stack deployments and technology implementation readiness.

“We are honoured to lead this initiative in collaboration with the Australian Government,” Tony Allen, CEO of the Age Check Certification Scheme, said.

“This trial will provide essential insights into how age assurance technology can be used to create a safer online experience for users of all ages.

“Our consortium is dedicated to evaluating and advancing solutions that will help protect young Australians while respecting their privacy.”