FridayOL

New Zealanders are increasingly concerned about the safety of our children online, and rightly so. The potential for harm – from exposure to inappropriate content to online grooming – is a real and growing threat. But what can we actually do about it? A recent trial in Australia, the Age Assurance Technology Trial (AATT), may hold some crucial answers, offering a potential path forward for New Zealand to bolster its online child protection measures.

The AATT, independently funded and overseen by the Australian government, tested various digital age assurance technologies. The preliminary findings, recently released, are surprisingly positive. They demonstrate that these systems can be implemented effectively, achieving impressive accuracy rates in verifying a user’s age without requiring them to hand over sensitive personal information like date of birth directly.

How Does it Work? The trial explored several approaches, moving beyond simple age declarations. These included utilising existing digital identifiers (like driver’s licenses or student IDs), leveraging biometric data (with strong privacy safeguards), and employing a combination of techniques. The key is to build a system that's both reliable and respectful of privacy – a delicate balance.

Why is this Important for NZ? New Zealand currently lacks a robust, nationwide system for age verification online. While platforms are increasingly expected to implement their own measures, these are often inconsistent and easily circumvented. The AATT’s success suggests a standardised, government-backed approach could be far more effective.

What Were the Key Findings? The trial showed high accuracy rates in age verification, with minimal false positives or negatives. Crucially, it also highlighted the importance of user choice and transparency. Participants were comfortable with the technology when they understood how it worked and had control over their data.

Challenges and Considerations for NZ: While the AATT provides a promising blueprint, adapting it to the New Zealand context will require careful consideration. We need to address:

• Privacy Concerns: Any age assurance system must prioritise privacy and data security. Robust safeguards are essential to prevent misuse of information.
• Accessibility: The system needs to be accessible to all New Zealanders, regardless of their digital literacy or access to technology.
• Cost and Implementation: Implementing a nationwide system will require significant investment and careful planning.
• Digital Identity Infrastructure: New Zealand’s existing digital identity infrastructure needs to be assessed and potentially upgraded to support age assurance technologies.

The Road Ahead: The AATT’s findings are a welcome development in the ongoing conversation about online child safety. They provide a clear signal that effective age assurance is achievable. Now, it’s time for New Zealand policymakers, tech companies, and community organisations to work together to explore how we can adapt this model to protect our tamariki (children) in the digital world. The Australian experience offers a valuable opportunity to learn and avoid potential pitfalls, paving the way for a safer online environment for all Kiwi kids.

Cecilia Robinson, a leading voice in digital safety, believes this trial marks a significant turning point. “It’s no longer a question of if we can verify age online, but how we can do it responsibly and effectively,” she states.