Apple is set to introduce groundbreaking age verification technology that could help social media platforms identify underage users on iPhones and iPads, potentially supporting Australia's upcoming social media restrictions for young teens.
The tech giant plans to launch a new age verification system through an API (application programming interface) that will allow apps to check if users are under specific age thresholds - 13, 16, or 18 years old - with parental oversight.
Under this system, parents would maintain control over their child's declared age on Apple devices and could correct any incorrect birth dates. The technology is designed to protect privacy by not sharing exact birth dates with applications.
Along with this verification system, Apple will expand its app store age ratings from the current two-tier system to four categories: 4+, 13+, 16+ and 18+. The highest rating will apply to apps containing gambling, intense references to substances, sexual content, or realistic violence.
This development comes as Australia prepares to implement its under-16 social media ban passed in December, affecting platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. While social media companies previously pushed for device makers to handle age verification, the Australian government placed this responsibility on app developers.
While Apple's new system could provide one solution for age verification, social media platforms will need to decide whether to implement this technology as part of their compliance strategy. The responsibility still lies with individual apps to verify user ages, and the government will determine if Apple's solution meets the "reasonable steps" requirement of the new legislation.
The Australian social media ban is scheduled to take effect in December, following the communications minister's decisions on affected platforms and approved age verification methods.