Melbourne-based blockchain firm ShareRing has received formal approval from the Australian government to launch a blockchain-based age verification system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to control social media access among younger users and will begin with a pilot program involving school students in Darwin, Northern Territory. The technology enables users to confirm their age without compromising personal data, using a decentralized identity verification process.
Unlike traditional centralized systems, ShareRing’s approach leverages blockchain technology to enhance both security and privacy. Officials noted that centralized databases are often vulnerable to breaches, which can expose sensitive personal details. In contrast, ShareRing’s decentralized model distributes data across a network, reducing the risk of single-point failures. The platform also empowers users to manage their identity data independently by utilizing cryptographic methods that allow them to share proof of identity without repeatedly submitting sensitive documents.
The pilot project forms part of the Age Assurance Technology Trial and will operate under the impartiality standards outlined in the ISO 17065 framework. This framework ensures objective evaluation during testing. The trial will be supervised by an Ethics Committee, especially given the involvement of minors. Strict ethical guidelines will be applied, particularly those concerning interactions with young participants and First Nations communities. These measures were reportedly crucial for ShareRing to secure the government tender, which is estimated to be worth around $6 million.
In recent years, Australian government agencies have faced public scrutiny due to a series of high-profile data breaches. To counter these concerns, the pilot program emphasizes robust data protection protocols. The aim is to create a decentralized system where any potential data breach would expose only encrypted hashes, not identifiable personal information. This strategy is expected to restore public confidence in how sensitive data is managed, especially in identity verification processes.
ShareRing holds certification under the Digital Identity and Attribute Trust Framework (DIATF), which enables it to verify user identities through mobile applications combined with biometric selfie verification. The company’s technology includes reusable identity solutions, allowing for quick and secure verifications with minimal user effort.
The March 2025 update published on ShareRing’s official platform reveals that the company is entering a new phase focused on scaling its technology stack. Plans include the rollout of ShareRing Pro version 1.11.1, which will feature integration with Google Drive for enhanced user convenience. The company has also joined the Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA), a move likely aimed at strengthening its ethical and professional credibility for future public sector contracts.
Additionally, ShareRing has partnered with Select ID to expand its digital verification services in the United Kingdom, particularly targeting the financial services industry. This collaboration is seen as a strategic extension of ShareRing’s expertise beyond the Australian market, highlighting its growing footprint in privacy-first identity verification technologies.
With a strong focus on user control, data protection, and ethical oversight, ShareRing’s blockchain-based solution represents a forward-looking approach to managing age verification in digital spaces. The pilot initiative may serve as a model for future applications of decentralized identity systems in safeguarding online interactions.
