This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

Australia introduces age checks for AI-companion chatbots, porn sites

( March 6, 2026, 00:54 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Australians will be required to provide proof of age to access pornography websites, certain gaming providers and generative artificial intelligence systems, including companion chatbots from March 9, the country’s online safety regulator said. In a statement on Friday, the Australian eSafety Commissioner said that under the new Age-Restricted Material Codes, search engines, social-media platforms, pornography websites, app stores, gaming providers and AI-companion chatbots must take “meaningful steps” to prevent children from being exposed to age-inappropriate content. The regulator added that a compliance breach can result in penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($34.4 million) per breach. The statement added that the new codes will complement the existing phase of codes and standards already in force.Statement follows....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login