Australia’s internet safety watchdog has warned that search engines and app stores could be forced to block artificial intelligence platforms that fail to verify user ages.
The move comes just days before a new national deadline that requires AI services to restrict harmful content for minors.
The warning follows a Reuters review, which found that more than half of the 50 most popular text-based AI tools have not publicly outlined clear steps to comply with the new rules.
From March 9, AI services operating in Australia must prevent users under 18 from accessing pornography, extreme violence, self-harm content, and material related to eating disorders. Companies that do not comply could face fines of up to A$49.5 million, or about $35 million.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner said the regulator will use the full extent of its powers if companies fail to meet the requirements. That could include action against “gatekeeper” platforms such as Google and Apple, which control access to AI apps through search engines and app stores.
The crackdown is part of Australia’s broader push to protect young people online. In December, the country became the first in the world to ban social media use for teenagers due to mental health concerns. Now, it is applying similar pressure to AI platforms.
Regulators say they are concerned that some AI chatbots use emotional design techniques and human-like interactions that can draw children into long sessions. Reports have suggested that children as young as 10 have been spending up to six hours a day interacting with AI-powered tools.
Globally, AI companies are facing growing legal pressure. OpenAI and Character.AI have been hit with lawsuits linked to chatbot interactions with young users. OpenAI also confirmed this week that it had deactivated the account of a teenage mass shooting suspect in Canada months before the attack, though it did not notify authorities.
According to the Reuters review, only nine out of 50 popular AI platforms had introduced or announced age verification systems ahead of the Australian deadline. Another 11 had broad content filters or planned to block Australian users entirely. That leaves 30 platforms with no clear public compliance steps.
Major AI tools such as ChatGPT, Replika, and Anthropic’s Claude have started rolling out age checks or content filters. Character.AI has restricted open-ended chat features for users under 18.
However, many smaller companion chatbot platforms appear unprepared. Some have not introduced filtering systems, and a few do not even provide public contact details for reporting breaches, which is also required under the new rules.
Apple recently stated that it will use “reasonable methods” to prevent minors from downloading adult-rated apps in Australia and other regions, introducing age restrictions. Google declined to comment on the situation.
Experts say the findings are not surprising. Many AI platforms were built rapidly and without strong safeguards in place. As governments tighten regulations, companies may now be forced to rethink how they design and moderate their systems.
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Australia’s tough stance could influence other countries considering similar laws. With heavy fines and the possibility of blocked access, the coming weeks will show whether AI companies are ready to comply or face enforcement action.
