Australia to Implement Age Verification for Search Engines, Raising Privacy and Inclusion Concerns

Australia to Implement Age Verification for Search Engines, Raising Privacy and Inclusion Concerns
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Australia is set to introduce mandatory age verification for search engines starting December 2025, expanding beyond social media platforms, The Guardian reported. This new regulation will require users to verify their age—potentially through biometric face scans or identity checks—to access search engines as logged-in users. The eSafety commissioner is also considering extending these age checks across the broader internet.

The rules stem from industry codes developed under a co-regulation model, bypassing parliamentary debate. Critics, including Greens senator David Shoebridge, warn this process grants significant power to unelected officials without sufficient public input. The age verification policy has faced criticism for lack of transparency and for being drafted before the government’s $6.5 million trial on age assurance concluded. Preliminary trial results highlighted concerns over effectiveness and excessive data collection by some providers.

While the policy aims to protect young people from inappropriate content such as pornography and extreme violence, experts caution that automated content filtering risks over-blocking important information like sexual health education. Digital rights advocates emphasize that search engines are essential services, and mandatory digital ID checks could create barriers to online participation, raising serious questions about access to information and digital inclusion.

Although protecting users from online harms is important, many experts argue that alternative approaches focusing on systemic changes to technology companies’ business models may be more effective. The debate highlights the need for greater public discussion on the future of internet regulation in Australia.