Face age and ID checks? Using the internet in Australia is about to fundamentally change

The Australian government has introduced new regulations that will significantly impact how Australians use the internet. Starting in December, tech companies will be required to implement age and identity checks for users accessing various online services, including search engines, social media, app stores, and AI chatbots. The new industry codes, developed by the tech sector and the eSafety commissioner, are part of the Online Safety Act and are intended to protect minors from harmful online content. However, these measures will have far-reaching consequences for all internet users in Australia, potentially altering the way they access and interact with the digital world. The article notes that the government's earlier legislation banning under-16s from social media is just one aspect of these broader changes, which aim to provide a safer online environment but may also raise concerns about privacy, data security, and the overall user experience.