Australia, Ireland Tighten Online ID Privacy Rules

Crypto News Regulation

Australia & Ireland Crack Down on Online Privacy With Tough New ID Rules

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Key Takeaways

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner now requires search engines to verify users’ ages, with full penalties after a 6-month transition;
Age checks can use ID, facial scans, or digital IDs; under-18s trigger strict Safe Search and content restrictions;
Critics warn of privacy loss as Ireland plans similar EU rules and may ban anonymous or fake social media accounts.

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Australia & Ireland Crack Down on Online Privacy With Tough New ID Rules

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The Australian eSafety Commissioner began requiring age verification for search engine users on December 27.

These regulations introduce a half-year transition before full penalties apply.

Users must confirm their age using options such as photo identification, facial scans, credit card details, digital ID, guardian approval, AI processes, or independent verification.

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If companies suspect a user is under 18, they must activate the strongest Safe Search filters. Providers also have to report offending users and restrict content classified as inappropriate, such as explicit material or violent images.

Jason Bassler, co-founder of The Free Thought Project, shared on X that Australians currently face requirements to upload identification to access search engines and suggested this could reduce personal privacy over time.

Ireland intends to push for similar digital identity guidelines throughout the European Union after taking over the EU Council presidency in July 2026.

The government may seek to eliminate anonymous and pseudonymous social media accounts. Tánaiste Simon Harris noted that, although Ireland sets the digital age of consent at 16, enforcement of these rules is minimal.

He pointed out to confront automated fake accounts and strengthen identity checks.

Australia recently proposed requiring crypto exchanges and custodians to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence under ASIC oversight. What does the proposal cover? Read the full story.