Tech Giants' New Online Safety Codes: A Coordinated Effort to Protect Children

In an unprecedented move, the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has challenged tech companies to draft comprehensive codes of practice aimed at shielding children and teens from online harms. Spearheaded by industry associations, these proposed safety measures cover a vast expanse of the digital ecosystem—from social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to search engines, online messaging platforms, gaming sites, and even the manufacturers behind the devices we use daily.

The Push for a Safer Digital World

Last July, after growing concerns about the exposure of minors to explicit and harmful content online, the Commissioner directed tech firms to develop codes that not only block access to online pornography but also curb exposure to disturbing content related to self-harm, eating disorders, suicide, and violence. Now, after seven months of development, the draft safety codes have been submitted and are undergoing thorough evaluation.

If approved, companies will have six months to implement these stringent measures, with heavy fines—up to A$50 million—for any non-compliance. The risk of serious penalties underscores the government’s renewed commitment to creating a safer online space for young users.

A Multi-Layered and Coordinated Approach

The proposed codes illustrate a well-coordinated approach targeting several sectors:

• Social Media Platforms: High-risk platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X must deploy rigorous age-assurance measures, bolster their trust and safety teams, and use automated detection systems to swiftly remove harmful content.
• Search Engines and Messaging Services: Giants such as Google and Bing are expected to integrate safe-search features and enable child-specific user accounts that restrict access to adult content.
• Online Gaming & App Stores: These digital spaces, including those operated by Apple and Google, will progressively follow suit, especially as their integrated safety features evolve.
• Emerging Technologies: Even deepfake porn apps powered by generative artificial intelligence are not left out. These services will need to adopt advanced age verification procedures to minimize risks for underage users.

The Role of Age Assurance

A central element of the new codes is the use of effective age-assurance measures. Unlike superficial methods such as click-through confirmations, the proposed standards require systems that take "reasonable steps" to verify a user’s age while also balancing privacy concerns. Options under consideration include:

• Photo ID Submission: Users may need to upload a government-issued ID.
• Facial Recognition or Video Analysis: Advanced methods using AI to estimate age, with current state-of-the-art systems showing errors as low as 3.7 years.
• Parental Attestation: Allowing a parent to verify a child’s age using payment information or other secure methods.

Apple, for instance, has already announced several new child safety measures that mirror many aspects of the draft codes, indicating a significant industry shift towards enhanced digital safety practices.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the comprehensive approach promises to cover a wide range of potential online threats, experts caution that the technology behind age assurance might not be foolproof. There is a concern that despite the new measures, teens might still find ways to bypass safeguards, potentially leaving them exposed to inappropriate content. The effectiveness of these measures will ultimately depend on both technological robustness and continuous monitoring by regulatory authorities.

The evolving landscape of online protection underscores the urgent need for a collaborative effort among tech companies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Only through such cooperation can the digital world be molded into a safer arena for the youngest of its users.