Australia’s internet regulator is considering actions against search engines and app stores that permit artificial intelligence services to operate without age verification systems. Following a Reuters review revealing that over half of popular AI platforms have not complied with upcoming age restriction laws, Australia is leading a crackdown against AI companies, paralleling its December social media ban for teens due to mental health concerns. Starting March 9, services including OpenAI’s ChatGPT must obstruct under-18 users from accessing restricted content, or face significant fines up to A$49.5 million ($35 million). With many AI chatbots showing no compliance measures, 30 out of the 50 reviewed have taken little to no action. The Australian eSafety Commissioner expressed concerns about emotional manipulation in AI platforms, emphasizing the need for robust safety controls. Major companies are expected to implement age assurance to protect minors amid rising scrutiny on AI’s impact on youth.
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