QUT Digital Media Research Centre submission in response to the eSafety Commission call for evidence regarding age verification and restricted access systems

Mandatory age verification and restricted access systems are based on a flawed ‘exposure’ narrative that incorrectly assumes that sexually explicit media is inherently harmful to young people. Young people are critical media consumers and engage with pornography for a variety of reasons, including identity, pleasure and exploration. Sexually explicit media can be important to young people’s sexual development and sex education, particularly given the lack of comprehensive sex education in Australia. Mandatory age verification and restricted access systems are unlikely to prevent young people from accessing sexually explicit content. They may instead force young people to access content through less safe means. Age verification is not synonymous with safety. It would be more affordable and sustainable to invest in sex education and media literacy. Information about sexual content consumption is extremely sensitive. Mandatory age verification and restricted access systems create a significant privacy risk for all internet users who access online sexual media. Age estimation algorithms are currently unreliable and often demonstrate significant racial bias. The use of age estimation algorithms is likely to disproportionately impact marginalised communities. They should not be implemented as part of an age verification system.