Australians turn to VPNs to access porn as age restrictions kick in

Australians have begun downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) ​in droves, while one of the world's largest porn distributors said it was blocking users ‌from its platforms as the country rolled out sweeping online age restrictions on Monday.

Last December, Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on teenagers using social media. A separate law now requires AI-powered chatbot services to keep certain content - including pornography, ​extreme violence and self-harm and eating disorder material - from minors or face fines of up to A$49.5 ​million (€30m).