Australia is preparing to tighten its digital controls , targeting artificial intelligence (AI) apps available through the Apple App Store . Authorities are considering forcing Apple to remove AI apps that allow access to adult content or extreme violence without effective age verification . It is a move that, if implemented, would change the landscape for the country’s entire mobile app ecosystem.
The iPhone maker has already adapted to Australia's strict policy on restricting teenagers' access to social media by upgrading its age verification in the App Store. But regulators appear determined to go a step further, now focusing on AI platforms that act as gateways to sensitive content.
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Mammoth fines and strict timeline
According to Reuters, app stores that do not remove the offending apps by March 9 risk fines that could reach $35 million. A spokesman for the country’s cybersecurity commissioner made it clear that authorities are prepared to use “the full range of their powers,” including interventions in search engines and digital app stores, which are key access points to online services.
Simply put, the responsibility lies not only with the creators of AI apps, but also with the distribution platforms. For Apple, this means it may need to reconsider its app approval policy, especially when it comes to chatbots and generative AI models that can produce inappropriate content.
AI applications: The concern over excessive use by minors
eSafety ,Australia’s regulatory body, is concerned not only about the content but also the duration of use. According to its data, children as young as 10 are reportedly spending up to six hours a day chatting with AI chatbots. Regulators say some companies are using techniques emotional manipulation to boost young users’ engagement, creating a cycle of excessive use.
The issue is not limited to access to inappropriate material, but also touches on the formation of behaviors. Experts point out that constant interaction with "digital personalities" can affect the psychosocial development of children, especially when clear boundaries and parental control.
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Limited compliance by AI platforms
Despite the warnings, compliance remains low. Of the 50 platforms reviewed, just nine had adequate age verification measures, while only 11 had content filters. Among the most popular apps in Australia are ChatGPT, Replika and Claude, which have varying policies around filters and age restrictions.
Character.AI has already restricted open chats to users 18+, while HammerAI has chosen to block access to Australia entirely. In contrast, Elon Musk's Grok has adopted measures against the creation of illegal content only where legally required.
The disparity in age ratings on the App Store is also striking : Character.AI is marked 18+, Grok 16+, while ChatGPT is classified as 13+. These differences raise questions about whether the criteria are applied consistently.
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The next step for Apple and the industry
While Apple has already upgraded its age verification tools for developers, fines are not out of the question. The Australian model could serve as a pilot for other markets, especially in Europe and North America, where the debate overprotecting minors from unregulated AI is in full swing.
For the AI industry, the message is clear: the era of unregulated app distribution is coming to an end. Age verification, algorithm transparency, and responsible user experience design are emerging as key compliance pillars. Whether companies adapt in time or choose to clash with regulators will determine the next chapter in the global battle to control AI.
