Search engines like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo and other search engines operating in Australia will need check their users age using methods like reviewing IDs or using face scanning tech to view online pornography and other adult content. | Amid the focus on Australia’s imminent teen social media ban, the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has also approved a new set of internet regulations that create new requirements for how online services like search engines restrict access to pornography, violent material and other content deemed age-inappropriate. | These requirements — the “industry codes” that are set out in the Online Safety Act 2021 — are proposed by various industry groups, and then approved and set into effect by the eSafety Commissioner. | On Friday, Inman Grant officially registered three codes for how web hosts, ISPs and search engines need to handle online pornography and other in-appropriate content (that is defined as “Class 1C and Class 2 Material”). | This includes a requirement that search engines introduce “appropriate age assurance measures” for people who have an account on the service within the next six months. | Some examples of age assurance methods suggested are using photo identification, facial age estimation, credit card checks, AI analysis of user data or digital ID. | The code says that “requiring a user to self-declare their age” will not satisfy the user requirements. | This will be used to determine whether a user is over 18 years of age. If an Australian user does not prove they are 18, or if they do not have an account, then search engines will be required to use the “highest safety setting” by default. | | | | | | | | |
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