A landmark study ahead of Australia’s planned social media ban for users under 16 has found that age verification is possible but it’s laden with risks, errors and bias.

The 1200-page report into age assurance technology released by the government on Monday came 100 day from the ban’s implementation date of December 10.

It found while no single method for age verification is fool proof, it is technically possible using a variety of methods, including government ID checks, parental consent, or AI-based age estimation based on facial structure, gestures, or behaviours.

The report also found the technology was less accurate for girls and non-Caucasian faces, with age estimates typically off by two to three years.

Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Gra

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