Australia is making big moves in online safety. New rules mean search engines like Google and Microsoft Bing will soon check users’ ages. This is to keep kids safe from harmful content. But it’s raising questions about privacy and how it will work.
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What’s Happening with Age Verification in Australia?
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has rolled out new industry codes. These require search engines to verify the age of logged-in users. The changes kick in from 27 December 2025.
The goal? To stop children under 18 from seeing things like pornography or violence in search results. It’s part of a bigger push for online safety, linking up with the teen social media ban.
Companies face hefty fines – up to nearly $50 million per breach – if they don’t comply. This is a world-first move, and it’s happening with little fanfare.
How Will Age Checks Work?
Search engines must use age-assurance tech. Here’s how it might look:
- Photo ID checks: Upload a government ID like a driver’s licence.
- Face scanning: Use AI to estimate age from a selfie.
- Credit card verification: Link a card to confirm you’re over 18.
- Digital ID or parental vouching: Other options for easier access.
- Third-party services: Apps or sites that handle the checks.
If you’re under 18, searches will be filtered. But if you’re not logged in, default safety settings apply – no age check needed.
Experts say kids might dodge this with VPNs or by staying logged out.
Implications for Users and Privacy
This could change how we use the internet. Millions of Aussies log into Google every day. Now, they’ll need to prove their age.
Privacy is a big worry. Sharing IDs or face scans means handing over personal data. What if it’s hacked or misused?
On the flip side, it might make the web safer for families. But is it effective? Some say no single tool is foolproof.
Looking ahead, age checks could spread to app stores, messaging apps, porn sites, and gambling platforms.
Expert Opinions and Concerns
Here’s what the pros are saying:
- Professor Lisa Given from RMIT: “I have not seen anything like this anywhere else in the world.”
- John Pane from Electronic Frontiers Australia: “There’s no evidence as to the efficacy of the technical controls.”
- eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant: “These provisions will serve as a bulwark and operate in lock step with the new social media age limits.”
Many call for more public chat about these changes. Without it, Aussies might feel caught off guard.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary:
- Australia’s age verification for search engines starts 27 December 2025 for logged-in users.
- Aims to protect kids from harmful content like porn.
- Methods include ID checks, face scans, and more.
- Privacy risks and workarounds are major concerns.
- Fines up to $50 million for non-compliance.
Stay tuned as this unfolds for tips on digital privacy.
Source: This article draws ideas from the ABC News report:Australia is quietly introducing ‘unprecedented’ age checks for search engines like Google.