Last year, Australia became the first country to ban users under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. The reason given was to ensure the safety of underage users and their mental health. Yesterday, Australia's online safety code began requiring users to verify their age if they want to access 18+ content and violent elements, including video games.
eSafety Commissioner Julia Inman-Grant said the code would protect children and young people from harmful content. According to her, this control over access to online content is similar to Australian laws that prohibit children from entering pubs, liquor stores, casinos and adult shops.
Games that receive an R rating such as GTA VI, Doom and Resident Evil cannot be downloaded publicly. Similarly, pornographic websites and AI chatbots with adult modes must verify the user's age first. Age verification must be carried out by app stores before 18+ apps can be downloaded.
Search engines must blur out pornographic and violent images if a user's account is not logged in. Meanwhile, searches about suicide and unhealthy eating habits must display links for users to get help.
Platform owners who fail to verify users' ages will face fines of up to AUD $49.5 million, similar to those for allowing individuals under 16 to have social media accounts.
