Australia's internet regulator, eSafety, has warned that it may move against search engines and app stores that provide access to artificial intelligence services that do not verify users' ages. The move comes as Australia prepares to implement one of the world's toughest AI crackdowns. This follows a Reuters review which found that over half of the most popular text-based AI services had not publicly outlined steps to comply with new rules set to take effect next week. From March 9, internet services in Australia, including search tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT and companion chatbots, must restrict users under 18 from accessing pornography, extreme violence, self-harm, and eating disorder content. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$35 million). The regulator has received accounts of children as young as 10 using AI chat tools for up to six hours a day. Major technology platforms may also come under pressure.