Progress update
The Age Assurance Technology Trial has now concluded. The final report – comprising ten volumes, including individual assessments of each age assurance method evaluated – has been submitted to the Aus...
The Age Assurance Technology Trial is a landmark national initiative evaluating the real-world performance, privacy, usability and security of age assurance technologies. Commissioned by the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, the Trial assessed 48 vendors and over 60 distinct technologies across various sectors, including social media, gaming, adult content and online retail. Through lab-based testing, interviews, analysis, school-based trials and mystery shopper evaluations, the Trial investigated how well different solutions could confirm, estimate or imply a user’s age in ways that are secure, privacy-preserving and inclusive.
At the heart of the trial was one fundamental question: Can age assurance be done? The answer — based on thousands of data points, stakeholder interviews and international standards — is yes, it can. While no single solution fits all contexts, the Trial found that a wide variety of technologies already meet meaningful thresholds for accuracy, security and privacy when carefully selected and implemented. The report offers a comprehensive evidence base to support regulators, industry leaders and the broader public in shaping a safer, age-appropriate digital environment for all Australians.
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Professor Toby Walsh is providing independent validation of the trial. You can watch an interview with him following his review of the Evaluation Proposal report below.
The Project Team respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and water in Australia where the Trial will be conducted and the team pay respects to Ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging and are proud to support their communities through their inclusion and careful consideration throughout the design, implementation, communication and reporting of the Trial.
