The Age Verification Providers Association has produced a report, based on discussions with its members, examining the key lessons learned from the large-scale implementation of “Reasonable Steps” to prevent users under 16 from having social media accounts in Australia since 10 December 2025.
The report finds that the primary issue is not the capability of age assurance technology, but how it is being deployed. Evidence from the Australian Age Assurance Technology Trial and early implementation experience shows that age assurance can operate effectively at scale. However, many platforms are not yet applying it consistently or at sufficient scale to deliver the intended policy outcomes.
It sets out a clear pathway for strengthening implementation, including defining “Reasonably Effective Age Assurance”, expanding independent audit and certification, and improving the consistency of checks across the user lifecycle, while preserving flexibility and privacy by design.
The report makes 23 recommendations.
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