Statement on the publication of the Final Report on the Australian Age Assurance Technology Trial

DIGI acknowledges the release of the Australian Government’s Final Report on the Age Assurance Technology Trial and recognises the extensive work that has gone into producing the ten-volume study. While the report provides valuable data on the technologies tested, we urge careful review of the details before accepting the findings, as key practical and operational questions remain. 

The trial did not test the technology in a live environment, leaving key questions about user experience, usability, and adoption unanswered, including the likelihood of circumvention.The findings also note a margin of error of around two to three years across the tested solutions. It is not yet clear how these issues would impact the user experience of Australians accessing online services.

These considerations will be critical as the eSafety Commissioner develops implementation guidance for platforms under the new minimum age requirements. With only 100 days remaining until the proposed enforcement deadline, clarity for industry and the public is essential.

DIGI remains committed to working constructively with the eSafety Commissioner’s Office and the Government to ensure that any age assurance framework is workable, reliable, and effective. We look forward to continuing engagement to consider the details of implementation.

Attributable to Dr. Jennifer Duxbury, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Policy, and Research at the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI)

For all media enquiries, please contact Darren Rodrigo on 0414 783 405 or darren@theshapeagency.com.au

About DIGI
The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) is a non-profit industry association advocating for the digital industry in Australia. DIGI is a government partner on online safety, consumer protection and misinformation, developing industry codes and effective policy solutions.