The Government Wants Your Selfie to Use Instagram
a day ago
- Australia plans to ban under-16s from social media, but the age verification system threatens privacy by requiring sensitive ID or AI-powered selfies.
- Massive data breaches are already common; forcing users to upload passports or biometric data creates a high-value target for hackers, with lifelong consequences if stolen.
- The ban is easily bypassed using VPNs, as demonstrated by a similar UK law, pushing kids to unregulated corners of the internet.
- Vulnerable groups like LGBTQ+ youth and migrant/refugee children rely on social media for community and support; the ban would isolate them and cut off vital resources.
- Age-estimation AI is biased against non-white and non-male faces, embedding discrimination into the system.
- Better alternatives include mandating safer platform design, holding corporations accountable, and investing in digital literacy education.