Australia moves to ban AI chatbots that mimic emotional intimacy

The Australian federal government has secured passage of a digital duty of care bill in the House of Representatives, a move that includes specific rules for AI chatbots. The legislation clears the lower house on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate for debate. The government aims to finalize the law by the end of 2026, although the exact timeline for Senate approval remains uncertain.

The core of the new framework is a ban on chatbot activity that simulates emotional intimacy. This provision was added after the government accepted an amendment from crossbencher Kate Chaney. The rules require platforms to prevent material or conduct that encourages a child to rely on an AI agent in place of human relationships. This change targets a specific type of interaction where non-person entities become primary emotional supports for young users.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pushed for the bill following a speech on Tuesday night. He described reports of children naming chatbots as their best friends as a wake-up call for parliament. Albanese urged the Coalition to consider supporting the legislation, noting that the current state of online interaction requires immediate action. His remarks set the tone for the vote, which saw the governing Labor party supported by the Greens.

The bill expands the scope of online safety standards to include social media, games, apps, and chatbots. It replaces existing codes with a single duty-of-care obligation. Tech platforms must provide a safe environment for all users. The law also mandates an opt-out feature for algorithms and suggested content. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the rules will cover content promoting misogyny, terrorism, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.

Wells addressed criticism from opposition parties who labeled the bill an Orwellian system of censorship. She told ABC radio on Wednesday that opponents who care about the issue should propose amendments rather than simply voting against the measure. The Coalition voted against the bill in the House, joined by One Nation. Labor has indicated it is open to amendments to secure broader support in the Senate.

Pressure is building to expand the regulatory reach of the telecommunications ombudsman. Independent MP Sophie Scamps proposed changes to give this body oversight over big tech companies. Such a watchdog would allow users to seek remedies for hacked or inaccessible accounts and investigate industry practices. Labor did not accept this amendment in the lower house, but the Greens plan to push for it during Senate negotiations.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young of the Greens supported the duty of care concept but called for stronger protections. She argued that Australians need an external complaints pathway that is free from the profit motives of large technology firms. The Greens have launched an inquiry into the laws, which is expected to report back in late November. They also want to allow private legal action against platforms and increase penalties for non-compliance.

Cynthia Gebert, the current telecommunications industry ombudsman, said her office is well-positioned to handle these new responsibilities. She noted that the industry would fund the expanded role. Gebert pointed out that her office currently helps users with issues like Telstra accounts but lacks the power to assist with Gmail accounts. She warned that without an external body, users may be stuck with automated responses that do not resolve their complaints.