Australia has started enforcing nationwide rules requiring search engines to verify user ages and apply default safety filters.
The regulations, issued by the Australian eSafety Commissioner, came into force on December 27 with a six-month rollout period.
Search platforms such as Google must now confirm the age of logged-in users before granting full access.
Approved verification methods include photo identification, facial scans, credit cards, digital IDs, parental consent systems, AI tools, or third-party services.
Accounts suspected of belonging to users under 18 must automatically receive the highest available safety settings.
Search engines are also required to introduce reporting mechanisms to identify and flag potential breaches of the rules.
All users will see results filtered to limit exposure to pornography, graphic violence, and other harmful material.
Privacy and free speech advocates warn the measures could normalise surveillance and erode anonymous internet access.
Starting 2 days ago, Australians are now required to upload their ID to use a search engine.
Jason Bassler said.
Australia is the beta test for a world where freedom and privacy quietly die, and it won’t stop there.
Jason Bassler said.
The rules follow Australia’s recent law restricting social media access for users under 16.
Ireland has announced plans to promote similar age verification measures across the European Union.
Proposed Irish measures would also ban anonymous social media accounts to combat hate and disinformation.
Irish deputy prime minister Simon Harris said current enforcement of age consent laws is inadequate.
We have a digital age of consent in Ireland, which is 16, but it’s simply not being enforced.
Simon Harris said.
The United States has criticised Australia and Europe over potential threats to free expression.
US officials argue foreign regulators are undermining First Amendment protections for American platforms.
Washington is considering responses including the Wyoming GRANITE Act and sanctions against EU officials.
The US State Department said sanctions announced on December 23 target pressure on platforms to suppress viewpoints.
The dispute underscores rising global tensions between child safety, digital privacy, and online speech.