Australia enforces AI age checks March 9; platforms must block minors or face fines.

Australia will enforce strict age restrictions on AI services starting March 9, requiring app stores and search engines to block minors from accessing harmful content like pornography, violence, self-harm, and eating disorder material. Platforms must verify user ages or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The rule, part of a broader youth protection effort following Australia’s 2023 teen social media ban, targets AI tools including ChatGPT and Grok. A Reuters review found most major AI services had not implemented age verification or content filters by the deadline, with many lacking compliance plans.