Australia’s world-first move to protect kids from harmful AI chatbots

Australia moves to block harmful AI conversations for children in world-first regulation

Australian children will soon be shielded from sexual, violent, and harmful interactions with AI companions under a groundbreaking move announced today.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has formally registered six new industry codes under the Online Safety Act, aimed at curbing children’s exposure to dangerous online content.

Speaking to 7.30, Ms Inman Grant said the measures would require technology companies “to embed safeguards and use age assurance” before AI chatbots could be deployed – making Australia the first country in the world to enforce such standards.

“We don’t need to see a body count to know this is the right thing for companies to do,” she said.

Reports from Australian schools revealed children as young as 10 and 11 were spending up to six hours a day engaging with AI companions – “most of them sexualised chatbots,” according to the Commissioner.

“I don’t want to see Australian lives ruined or lost because of the industry’s insatiable need to move fast and break things,” she added.

The new codes will apply to AI chatbot applications, social media platforms, app stores, and device manufacturers, all of whom must verify user ages when children attempt to access harmful content.

Drafted in collaboration with industry groups – including representatives from tech giants such as Meta, Google, and Yahoo – the codes place the responsibility squarely on companies.

“These companies know exactly what they’re doing,” Ms Inman Grant said.