Apple’s new age verification is a game-changer for kids’ safety online. We need the rest of big tech to follow

Apple has introduced new age verification features for Australian users, allowing them to access adult content sites like Pornhub once again. This move is a result of Apple collaborating with Aylo, the company behind Pornhub, to implement child-safety features in their devices. Previously, many adult websites blocked Australians due to unreliable age verification methods.

However, Apple's approach differs significantly from the current standard. Instead of relying on third-party identity providers, Apple requires users to confirm their age only once, either during initial device setup or when creating an Apple Account. This verification process does not expose users' browsing habits, unlike other methods that require sensitive personal information.

Additionally, Apple sets default safety settings on devices for users who haven't proven they're 18, which include content filtering and communication safety features. These features not only block access to adult websites but also protect children from sensitive content by blurring nudity and other potentially harmful material.

Apple's new model offers a secure and privacy-preserving solution for child safety online, setting a precedent for other tech giants to follow. Both Google and Microsoft have already developed some of the necessary infrastructure, and it's just a matter of implementing it to provide consistent device-level protections for users worldwide.