New Australian online safety code requires search engines to verify the age of logged-in users within six months.
If users are likely under 18, search engines must enable safe search at the highest setting to block pornography and violent content.
Age assurance methods can include document verification, biometric estimation, and online activity inference.
Non-logged-in users will see explicit images blurred and explicit or violent autocomplete predictions restricted.
Search providers must regularly improve safety tools and respond to self-harm or eating disorder searches with crisis support information.
Non-compliance with the code can lead to civil penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million per breach.
The eSafety Commissioner may impose mandatory standards if voluntary industry codes do not sufficiently protect children.
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