After months of protest, Snapchat begrudgingly switches on age verification

Social Media app Snapchat has announced it’s starting to notify users of the upcoming ban on social media for under 16’s and is enabling age verification systems within it’s app to adhere to the legislation.

The company, which “strongly disagrees with its classification as an Age-Restricted Social Media Platform” says despite this they remain committed to complying with the local law ahead of it’s introduction on December 10.

A spokesperson said “Snapchat is and has always been a visual messaging app, primarily used for connection with your closest friends and family. We know that for teens, maintaining friendships is a key contributor to happiness and well-being and are deeply saddened that young Aussies can no longer connect with their nearest and dearest via Snapchat. However, even though we strongly disagree with the government’s assessment that Snapchat is an Age Restricted Social Media Platform, we will disable accounts for users under 16 from December 10.”

With that in mind, this week, all Snapchat users who are “believed to be under 16 years of age” will receive notifications across in-app, email and SMS with details about how the laws will affect them – and details on their Age Verification options.

Snapchat will allow users to download their data from the app, including “Memories”, “Chats” or Videos stored in their Snapchat account.

Under 16 accounts will be locked from December 10, for “Up to Three years” or until the user turns 16 and reactivates their account.

How will Snapchat verify the ages of its users?

The process for those users who Snapchat believes are under 16, but are not, to verify their age is through one of three methods.

Firstly, a process called “ConnectID” which is a system built by the same organisation that created PayID and the instant bank transfers known as Osko. Basically, it allows a user to verify their age by connecting a bank account, which can verify your age.

A Photo ID is another option, of course many people might be reluctant to provide a Government ID and many 16 year olds might not have one, and finally Facial Age Estimation. Using a provider called K-ID the user takes a selfie and an age estimation is performed.

What if they get it wrong?

I would argue that if you can’t get an accurate age using one of the above methods, then you’re probably not over 16, but, like all companies, Snapchat is required to have a complaints process specific to this change, and they say you can get that support on the Snapchat Help page.