Snapchat age checks in Australia use banks, avoid data sharing
Snapchat users in Australia can now verify they are over 16 years old without supplying personal documents or biometric information, following a collaboration with ConnectID. The system allows for age verification via users' banking apps, addressing concerns over privacy ahead of new regulations that ban social media use for those under 16.
Privacy approach
The verification process does not require passports, driver's licences, names, or dates of birth to be shared with Snapchat. Users opting for ConnectID are directed to their participating bank's app, which holds their verified identity details. The bank confirms whether the user meets the age threshold and returns only a yes or no answer to Snapchat. No personal information leaves the bank during the process.
Demand for privacy-focused solutions has increased as Australian social media platforms prepare to comply with rules restricting under-16s from accessing their services. Public debate has centred on how to verify ages without exposing individuals to greater privacy and security risks.
Industry rollout
ConnectID is planning to support age verification for more social media platforms before the new regulations come into force. The organisation is already connected to Australia's major banks, including CommBank, NAB, ANZ Plus, and Westpac.
The infrastructure underpinning ConnectID was developed by Australian Payments Plus, which also operates financial services such as Osko, PayID, PayTo, the NPP, BPAY, and eftpos. The technology leverages secure, regulated payment networks that Australians use for everyday transactions.
Operational details
The digital age verification is available alongside other methods such as age inference and estimation tools. When users select ConnectID, they are redirected to their existing banking application for consent-based verification. Australian banks participating in the scheme will confirm if the user is over the required age, without providing any additional identifying information to the social media platform.
There are no requirements to upload identity documents or allow biometric scans. The process is conducted within a privacy-protected environment where customer details remain solely with the bank throughout the transaction.
Bank participation
ConnectID's integration with major banks has enabled the system to support identity checks for various everyday uses. These range from activating SIM cards and joining libraries to verifying age for other regulated purchases, such as alcohol or online services. The expansion into social media comes as the sector seeks compliant ways to enforce age restrictions without data overreach.
"The goal here is to protect young people online without creating new privacy risks," said Andrew Black, Managing Director, ConnectID.
"People are understandably uneasy about uploading passports or licences to social media apps. This solution shows it's possible to protect sensitive personal data while helping social media platforms meet their new obligations responsibly," said Black.
"For years, we've accepted that proving our identity online means handing over sensitive personal documents like passports or driver licences that can be copied or stored. This changes that. It proves there's a secure, smarter way to build trust online, where the individual stays in control," said Black.
"Our customers expect digital experiences that are simple and secure. With ConnectID, CommBank provides Australians with a safer, easier way to prove their age online without uploading identity documents or sharing personal information. It's another way we're helping customers stay protected and in control of their data as they engage in an increasingly digital world," said Gavin Leon, General Manager, Open Data and Identity, CommBank.
