Key facts
- Australia plans to ban AI chatbots that simulate emotional intimacy and foster child dependence.
- The digital duty of care bill passed the House of Representatives.
- The bill would require platforms to ban material or conduct that simulates emotional intimacy with children.
- The government accepted amendments to include AI chatbot harms and algorithm opt-out features.
- The Greens are advocating for stronger penalties and private legal action rights.
- An expansion of the telecommunications ombudsman's role for social media and AI was proposed.
Australia's federal government is moving to ban AI chatbots that simulate emotional intimacy and encourage children's dependence on them, a move championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The proposed ban is part of the digital duty of care bill, which passed the House of Representatives and is heading to the Senate. The legislation aims to create a safer online environment by imposing new standards on social media platforms, games, apps, and chatbots, including requirements to ban harmful content and provide algorithm opt-out features. Amendments have been accepted to specifically address AI chatbot harms, while further debate is expected in the Senate regarding potential strengthening of user protections and penalties.