Australia's online platforms are stumbling at the very first step in implementing age checks for users, rendering a world-first teen social media ban ineffective, a study by a team that advised the government's rollout of the curbs found.

Only one out of 10 platforms asked to verify a user's age when setting up a new account.

SYDNEY, July 7 : Australia's online platforms are stumbling at the very first step in implementing age checks for users, rendering a world-first teen social media ban ineffective,…

Since December, Australia's new social media law has mandated that platforms including Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube bar people under 16 years from having accounts. Operators…

Australia's online platforms are stumbling at the very first step in implementing age checks for users, rendering a world-first teen social media ban ineffective, a study by a…

A team of software testers find that platforms did not ask for age proof on any of 50 accounts it opened after Australia's law came into force and on which it declared the age as…

Testers who helped design Australia's age-check regime opened 50 accounts declaring the age of 16. Nine of 10 platforms never asked for proof.

Australian online platforms are failing initial age checks for a teen social media ban. Studies show most under-16s can still access platforms despite new laws. Platforms did not…

A team of software testers found that platforms did not ask for age proof on any of the 50 accounts they opened after the ban was in force.

Australia's groundbreaking teen social media ban struggles with implementation as platforms fail initial age verification steps, according to a study by government advisors.

A team of software testers found that platforms did not ask for age proof on any of the 50 accounts it opened after the law came into force.

The initial vetting process isn't working, according to researchers.