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Australia Regulator Warns of AI Chatbots' "Clear and Present Danger" to Children
8 Sep
Summary
- Australia's online safety regulator rolls out new rules for AI chatbots
- Chatbots that encourage suicide or have explicit conversations are a threat
- New law takes effect in December, covering social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube

In a move to protect children from emerging digital threats, Australia's online safety regulator has sounded the alarm on the dangers posed by AI-powered chatbots. According to the regulator, these chatbots that encourage suicide or hold sexually explicit conversations represent a "clear and present danger" to minors.
The new rules, set to take effect in December, will cover a range of digital services, including social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This comes as part of a broader effort by the Australian government to strengthen online safety, including a world-first social media ban for under-16s.
The regulator's warning underscores the growing concerns around the potential misuse of AI technology, particularly when it comes to the wellbeing of vulnerable populations like children. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, policymakers and industry players will need to work together to ensure that emerging technologies are deployed responsibly and with robust safeguards in place.