After social media, app stores and search engines are the next target for age-gating

"Officials from Australia's eSafety watchdog said they may extend age-gating to app stores and search engines that make it easy for minors to access AI tools and other online services without verifying age. One of the immediate focuses is on AI chat services like OpenAI's ChatGPT. These platforms can display content like graphic material, self-harm information, and other areas regulators see as potentially harmful to internet users under 18 years of age."

"Under their new proposal, age checks would need to be implemented by March 9, or the companies risk facing fines up to A$49.5 million (~US$35 million). Australia's push highlights a broader trend of age-targeted regulation that began with social media and is now spreading to other areas in the digital ecosystem."

"Governments from across the globe have also been considering similar rules to limit minors' access to social media and online services: France and Spain are moving towards age limits on social media, with minimum ages and verification requirements. In the UK, social media being banned for youth under 16 is also being explored."

Australia's eSafety watchdog is proposing to extend age-gating requirements to app stores, search engines, and AI services to protect minors from accessing harmful content. The initiative targets platforms like ChatGPT that may expose users under 18 to graphic material and self-harm information. Companies must implement robust age verification systems by March 9 or face substantial fines. This expansion reflects a global trend of age-targeted regulation spreading beyond social media. Multiple countries including France, Spain, the UK, and New Zealand are implementing similar age restriction laws for minors under 16, demonstrating widespread commitment to online youth safety across digital platforms.

Read at Digital Trends