In Australia, upcoming changes will enforce mandatory age verification for search engines, necessitating users to complete identity checks for logged-in access. These measures could significantly impact privacy and digital inclusion, affecting all internet users, not only those under 16. The proposed age verification is managed via industry codes through the eSafety commissioner, bypassing traditional legislative processes. While this could allow for flexible regulations, it raises concerns over public input and the concentration of power among unelected officials, prompting calls for extensive public debate on these developments.
"Age verification requirements will extend to search engines, meaning users may need to scan their face or do an identity check just to access search engines as logged-in users."
"The eSafety commissioner is considering rules for mandatory age checks across the entire internet landscape, impacting everyone who uses the internet in Australia."
"The ramifications for privacy, digital inclusion, access to information, and online participation extend beyond the controversial teen social media ban, warranting meaningful public debate."
"Despite the significance of the changes, the latest rules are the result of industry codes, developed by the tech industry and registered by the eSafety commissioner in a co-regulation process."
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