Australia Targets App Stores, Search Engines in AI Age Crackdown

• Australia's internet regulator may pressure app stores and search engines to block AI services failing age verification.
• Over half of AI services haven't announced compliance steps for next week's deadline, a Reuters review found.
• The crackdown aims to prevent minors from accessing harmful content like pornography and extreme violence, with fines up to A$49.5 million.
• eSafety Commissioner warns of using full powers, including action against 'gatekeeper services' like search engines and app stores.
• Concerns rise over AI companies using emotional manipulation to entice young people into excessive chatbot usage.