Search engines such as Google and Microsoft's Bing must implement age assurance checks for logged-in users in 'no later than six months'. Image: Shutterstock
Australians using search engines while logged in to accounts from the likes of Google and Microsoft will have their age checked by the end of 2025, under a new online safety code co-developed by technology companies and registered by the eSafety Commissioner.
Search engines operating in Australia will need to implement age assurance technologies for logged-in users in "no later than six months”, under new rules published on Monday.
While only logged-in users will be required to have their age checked, many Australians typically surf the web while logged into accounts from Google, which dominates Australia’s search market and also runs Gmail and YouTube; and Microsoft, which runs the Bing search engine and email platform Outlook.
If a search engine’s age assurance systems believe a signed-in user is “likely to be an Australian child” under the age of 18, they will need to set safety tools such as “safe search” functions at their highest setting by default to filter out pornography and high impact violence, including in advertising.
Currently, Australians must be at least 13 years of age to manage their own Google or Microsoft account.
The age assurance technologies used are expected to be similar to those currently being considered for Australia’s under-16s social media ban, which is expected to begin in December.
Age assurance methods can include age verification systems, which use government documents or ID; age estimation systems, which typically use biometrics; and age inference systems, which use data about online activity or accounts to infer age.
Search engines will not be required to implement age assurance measures for users who are not logged in to their services, according to the new rules.
“Internet search engine services are designed for general public use, with or without an account,” the code states.
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