By Blessing Nweke
Australians must now prove they are over 18 before accessing adult online content such as pornography, R-rated video games and sexually explicit AI chatbots under new rules introduced by the eSafety Commissioner.
The changes, which took effect Monday, require online platforms to implement stronger age-verification systems or face fines for failing to protect minors from harmful material. The regulations are part of a broader push by the Australian Government to tighten online safety protections for children.
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, said the new rules aim to bring digital spaces in line with real-world restrictions.
“We don’t allow children to walk into bars, bottle shops, adult stores or casinos, but when it comes to online spaces there are no such safeguards,” she said.
Under the new framework, search engines, app stores, social media platforms, gaming services, pornography websites and AI systems must take “meaningful steps” to stop minors from accessing adult material. Age verification could include facial recognition technology, digital identification checks or credit card verification.
Research by the regulator found that one in three Australian children aged 10 to 17 had encountered sexual images or videos online. More than 70% reported exposure to content featuring violence, self-harm, suicide or eating disorders.
Some adult websites have already reacted. Platforms such as Aylo-owned sites RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8 reportedly blocked Australian users from registering or viewing content before the rules took effect.
However, experts warn the measures may be difficult to enforce. Cybersecurity researcher Rahat Masood of the University of New South Wales said tech-savvy young people could bypass restrictions using VPNs or by borrowing a parent’s ID.
Others, including Seth Lazar of the Australian National University, argue the policy raises privacy concerns and places too much responsibility on private companies to police internet access.
Supporters say the rules could still reduce accidental exposure to harmful content and encourage safer online environments for children.
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