Australia Plans Age Verification Enforcement on AI Platforms to Protect Minors

Australia is advancing strict regulations on artificial intelligence platforms by requiring age verification to restrict users under 18 from accessing harmful content such as pornography, extreme violence, self-harm, and eating disorder material. Starting March 9, services including search engines and app stores must comply or face fines up to A$49.5 million. This follows Australia's December ban on social media for teenagers due to mental health concerns. The internet regulator may target gatekeeper platforms that fail to enforce these rules amid ongoing lawsuits against AI companies for youth harm.