Australia’s New Age Verification Laws: What You Need to Know
Australia is tightening its online safety regulations with a major push toward mandatory age verification for websites that offer or promote age-restricted content. Under the evolving framework of the Online Safety Act, platforms will soon be legally required to implement robust age assurance measures to prevent minors from accessing harmful digital content.
What’s Changing Under the Online Safety Act?
The eSafety Commissioner is spearheading Australia’s efforts to ensure safer online environments for children and young people. New industry codes will require companies to adopt high-assurance age verification systems for platforms that host or link to:
- Pornographic and adult content
- Online gambling and betting platforms
- Vape and tobacco product sales
- CBD and cannabis retailers
- Escort services and adult dating sites
The goal is to reduce youth exposure to explicit material, graphic violence, and harmful or illegal content.
Industries Affected by Australia’s Age Verification Laws
The new regulations will affect a broad range of businesses operating online, both within Australia and globally. Key industries include:
- Adult websites offering sexually explicit videos, images, or livestreams
- Escort directories and adult advertising platforms
- Vape retailers selling e-cigarettes and nicotine products
- Online gambling sites, including sports betting and casino games
- CBD sellers and other age-restricted wellness products
Whether you operate locally or internationally, if your website is accessible by Australian users, these laws will apply to you.
What Is Required to Comply?
Australia’s new codes require platforms to implement technically accurate, reliable, and privacy-preserving age verification solutions. Accepted age assurance methods may include:
- Credit card verification (over 18 requirement in Australia)
- Facial age estimation using AI technology
- Photo ID checks combined with selfie matching
- Mobile network operator (MNO) age validation
- Email-based age estimation (based on digital footprint)
Self-declaration (e.g., “I am over 18” checkboxes) will no longer be accepted.
Timeline for Implementation
The Australian government is taking a phased approach:
- 2024: Consultation and code development by the eSafety Commissioner
- 2025: Mandatory enforcement begins, with penalties for non-compliance
Once in effect, platforms will face serious consequences for ignoring age verification obligations, including:
- Large fines (up to AUD $555,000 per violation)
- Removal or blocking of content
- Public naming and shaming of non-compliant companies
How 18Verified Keeps You Compliant in Australia
18Verified offers a scalable, user-friendly solution that helps businesses comply with Australia’s new age verification laws. We support a wide range of highly effective age assurance methods, including:
- Photo ID and facial recognition verification
- Credit card authentication
- Mobile network age checks
- Email-based age estimation
- API and plug-and-play integration for rapid deployment
Our technology is privacy-first, GDPR-aligned, and built to meet the standards outlined by Australia’s eSafety framework.
Final Thoughts
Australia is joining the global movement toward stricter online safety laws, and the message is clear: websites offering adult content, vaping, gambling, and other age-restricted services must verify the age of their users. The era of self-declared ages is over.
With enforcement beginning in 2025, now is the time to act. 18Verified gives your business the tools it needs to stay compliant, protect users, and build trust across international markets.
Protect your business. Verify users. Stay compliant with 18Verified.