Australian authorities have warned operators of pornographic websites that, under comprehensive new child protection regulations, they must ban anyone under 18 from accessing porn sites beginning March 9, or face heavy penalties.
According to AFP, some Australian porn sites on the 6th had already restricted non-member browsing and stopped new user registrations. Going forward, these websites will be required to use age verification technology to prevent underage users from accessing their content.
After Australia last December banned children under 16 from joining social media platforms, this new regulation further expands the country’s online child safety measures.
The new measures restrict children from accessing “age-inappropriate content,” including information about pornography, violence, suicide, and eating disorders. The rules cover porn sites, search engines, mobile app stores, as well as generative AI systems including chatbots.
Operators who violate the regulations face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (about 140 million Malaysian ringgit) per offense.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner’s office stated that when users try to access pornographic websites and age-restricted services, they will be required to verify their age.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner’s office added: “Simply clicking an ‘I am over 18’ button is no longer enough. This is in line with similar measures being implemented internationally.”
After Australia last December banned children under 16 from joining social media platforms, this new regulation further expands the country’s online child safety measures.
The new measures restrict children from accessing “age-inappropriate content,” including information about pornography, violence, suicide, and eating disorders. The rules cover porn sites, search engines, mobile app stores, as well as generative AI systems including chatbots.
Operators who violate the regulations face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (about 140 million Malaysian ringgit) per offense.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner’s office stated that when users try to access pornographic websites and age-restricted services, they will be required to verify their age.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner’s office added: “Simply clicking an ‘I am over 18’ button is no longer enough. This is in line with similar measures being implemented internationally.”