Australians accessing online pornography will be required to verify their age via digital identification from Monday, December 27, as new regulations reach into effect. The rules, initially targeting adult content, are part of a broader push by the Australian government to implement age assurance technology across the internet, extending to search engines and potentially app stores.
The regulations compel websites hosting adult material to employ age-verification methods, potentially including photo identification, facial recognition technology, or other systems to confirm users are over 18. Sites failing to comply face potential fines of nearly $50 million per breach. The move follows the introduction of similar age-assurance technology for social media platforms aimed at curbing teen access.
The implementation of these rules has sparked privacy concerns. Lisa Given, a professor of Information Sciences at RMIT University specializing in age-assurance technology, described the changes as “huge and unprecedented,” warning they could compromise Australians’ online privacy. Experts have also questioned the effectiveness of the measures in actually protecting young people.
The age verification push began with a focus on social media and is now expanding to encompass a wider range of online services. At the end of June, rules were introduced requiring Google and Microsoft to verify the ages of logged-in users, a precursor to the broader rollout now taking effect. The Australian government is also considering requiring app stores to block access to artificial intelligence services for users who have not undergone age verification.
The Australian government’s approach is being described as world-leading in online child safety regulation, with age assurance becoming a central tenet of how digital services operate within the country. The Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA) has highlighted Australia’s position as a leading jurisdiction in this area.
While the initial focus is on pornography, the government’s stated intention is to apply age assurance technology more broadly across the internet landscape. The next phase will see Google and Microsoft implementing age-assurance technology for logged-in users by December 27, or face substantial penalties. The potential expansion to app stores and AI services remains under consideration.
