Australia Plans Age Restrictions on AI Services to Protect Minors from Harmful Content

Australia's internet regulator plans to enforce age restrictions on AI services, including search engines and app stores, to protect users under 18 from harmful content such as pornography, extreme violence, self-harm, and eating disorders. Starting March 9, non-compliant services face fines up to A$49.5 million. While some AI providers like ChatGPT and Character.AI have implemented age verification or filters, many companion chatbots lack such measures. This move follows Australia's December ban on social media for teenagers amid mental health concerns and reflects a global effort to regulate AI's impact on youth.