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New Age Restrictions: 16 Platforms Face AI Scrutiny

9/25/2025

48 9 Full Breakdown

Center

Julie Inman Grant's Restrictions

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, released a list of 16 platforms under-16 age restrictions, effective December 10.
The law requires platforms to use artificial intelligence and behavioral data for age estimation, instead of blanket verification.
Platforms must submit self-assessments to seek exemptions, with potential legal challenges anticipated.
The eSafety Commissioner will prioritize monitoring platforms with the most users.

Right

Emma Advocates Safety

Emma Mason, a Sydney mother, spoke at the UN General Assembly urging age restrictions on social media.
Her daughter, Tilly, faced harassment on Snapchat and Facebook. She died in February 2022.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the call for international laws protecting children.
Mason says platforms must defend children's safety. Nations may follow Australia, while the United States may lag.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Age Appropriate Design Code, enacted in 2018, set a precedent for online child safety regulations. Following this, Australia introduced age restrictions on 16 platforms, emphasizing AI for age verification. The tragic case of Tilly Mason highlighted the urgent need for such measures, as nations worldwide consider similar laws, potentially reshaping global standards for child protection online.

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Julie Inman Grant's Restrictions

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, released a list of 16 platforms under-16 age restrictions, effective December 10.
The law requires platforms to use artificial intelligence and behavioral data for age estimation, instead of blanket verification.
Platforms must submit self-assessments to seek exemptions, with potential legal challenges anticipated.
The eSafety Commissioner will prioritize monitoring platforms with the most users.

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