‘Emotional intimacy’ from AI chatbots would be banned under Australia’s digital duty of care laws
Summary
Australia’s House of Representatives passed a digital duty of care bill that would set safety rules for social media, games, apps and chatbots. The bill includes a proposed ban on AI chatbot conduct that simulates emotional intimacy and encourages children to depend on a chatbot instead of human relationships; it now goes to the Senate.Key Facts
- The bill would require covered platforms to provide a safe online environment and protect users from specified harmful content.
- The government accepted an amendment covering chatbot conduct that simulates emotional intimacy and fosters a child’s dependence on the chatbot in place of human relationships.
- The communications minister said content promoting misogyny, terrorism, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders could fall under the proposed rules.
- Social media platforms would have to offer users an accessible, easy-to-use and prominent option to turn off algorithms and suggested content.
- The Coalition and One Nation voted against the bill in the House, while the Greens support it.
- The bill will be debated in the Senate, where a Greens inquiry is due to report in late November.
- The Greens want stronger penalties and a right for Australians to bring private legal action against platforms.
- Independent MP Sophie Scamps proposed giving the telecommunications industry ombudsman a role in handling complaints about big tech, but the article does not say Labor accepted the proposal.
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