Snap has announced a new age verification system for Australian users, introducing a bank-linked method designed to comply with the country’s upcoming teen social media ban. The rule, which officially takes effect next month, prohibits children under 16 from accessing social media platforms — one of the toughest digital safety laws in the world.
The U.S.-based company, known for its Snapchat platform, confirmed on Monday that it will begin contacting users across Australia this week. These users will receive the option to verify they are 16 years or older through ConnectID, a secure application managed by major Australian banks.
How the New Age Verification Works
To meet the requirements of the Australian teen social media ban, Snap is offering two verification choices:
1. Bank-Linked Age Verification via ConnectID
Users can download the ConnectID app, which connects to their bank accounts. The service will send Snapchat a simple yes/no confirmation indicating whether the user is over 16.
Importantly, no sensitive banking data is shared — only the verification result.
2. AI-Based Age Estimation Through k-ID
Snap is also integrating technology from Singapore-based k-ID, an age-assurance provider. This tool verifies age through either a selfie-based age estimate or by uploading a government-issued ID.
The bank-linked method marks a major step in using a person’s financial footprint for digital age verification, a move previously untested at this scale. With around 440,000 Australian Snapchat users aged 13 to 15, Snapchat is expected to be among the platforms most affected by these new rules.
Snap Responds to Australia’s Classification
Snap noted in a recent announcement that the Australian government rejected its argument that Snapchat is primarily a messaging service rather than social media.
The company stated:
“While we strongly disagree with this assessment, we will comply, as we do with all local laws in the countries where we operate.”
Privacy and Protection at the Core
Andrew Black, Managing Director of ConnectID, emphasised that the goal is to protect young people online without exposing them to new privacy risks.
By sending only a verification signal and not sharing user data, the bank-linked system offers a more secure approach to age-proof technology.
Tech Platforms Prepare for the Deadline
Social media companies had previously pushed back against the legislation, citing concerns about implementation and user privacy. The Australian law, however, is firm — platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to A$49.5 million (approx. $32 million USD).
With the December 10 deadline approaching:
- Snap is rolling out its verification tools,
- Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, confirmed that it has already begun deactivating underage accounts,
- Other platforms are expected to follow the same path to avoid penalties.
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