Australia imposes age verification for AI chatbots and adult websites

Having already taken strict measures regarding minors' use of social media, Australia is continuing its offensive to regulate the web. Indeed, the country wants to limit young people's access to content deemed sensitive or dangerous, whether it be pornography, violence, or discussions generated by artificial intelligence.

New regulations, which come into effect this week, will now impose age checks on many digital platforms…

Mandatory age checks for many online services

Australia's internet regulator, eSafety, has announced that several categories of services will now have to verify the age of their users. This obligation applies in particular to pornographic websites, search engines, app stores, video game providers for adults, and also generative AI services such as chatbots.

In concrete terms, the objective is to block access to content unsuitable for those under 18, and platforms will have to implement age verification technology. However, the technical details remain at the discretion of the companies, which will have to choose the most appropriate tools to comply.

The authorities also specified that a simple declaration button stating "I am 18 or older" will no longer be considered sufficient. Therefore, services will now have to verify the real age of their users much more reliably. This regulation also applies to chatbots capable of generating sexual or violent content. In these cases, platforms will have to verify that the user is of legal age at the time of connection or when a request likely to produce this type of content is made.

A broader strategy to protect minors online…

This new obligation is part of a broader digital regulation strategy, particularly since last December when Australia became the first country to ban the creation of social media accounts for those under 16.

These new rules will also change how search engine results are displayed, and for users not logged into an account, pornographic content or content depicting shocking scenes of violence should be blurred by default.

Furthermore, when an internet user searches for information related to suicide or eating disorders, the first results must direct them to psychological support services rather than potentially harmful content.

Up to 28.5 Millions of euros in fines

Australian authorities acknowledge that these measures will not eliminate all risks. According to Julie Inman Grant, Australia's Commissioner for Online Safety, these rules are primarily aimed at establishing stronger protections in the digital ecosystem.

However, companies that fail to comply with these obligations face penalties of up to AU$49.5 million, or approximately €28.5 million. This regulatory pressure illustrates the country's ambition to become a global leader in protecting minors online…