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Australia advances bill to ban AI chatbots from simulating emotional intimacy with children
The Australian House of Representatives has passed the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026, which now moves to the Senate. The legislation aims to establish a broad digital duty of care for online services, including social media, games, apps, and chatbots, to ensure a safe environment for users, particularly those under 18.
A key component of the bill, following amendments by independent MP Kate Chaney, prohibits AI chatbots from simulating emotional intimacy with children or encouraging them to rely on artificial intelligence instead of human relationships. The government seeks to pass the legislation by the end of 2026.
Under the proposed law, corporations that fail to meet these safety obligations could face penalties of up to approximately $109.2 million AUD. Additionally, the bill mandates that platforms provide users with a visible and easy-to-use option to opt out of algorithmic content recommendations. The regulations will also target content promoting terrorism, misogyny, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.
Entities
Anthony Albanese · Australia · Australian Government · Australian House of Representatives · Australian Parliament · Australian Senate · Character.AI · Kate Chaney · Senate of Australia · eSafety
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The bill prohibits chatbots from simulating emotional intimacy with children to prevent emotional dependence. it-bg.org · cryptobriefing.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Australian House of Representatives passed the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026. it-bg.org · cryptobriefing.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] Corporations failing to meet the duty of care could face penalties of up to approximately $109.2 million AUD. cryptobriefing.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over children viewing AI as their best friend. it-bg.org · cryptobriefing.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] The legislation covers content promoting misogyny, terrorism, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. it-bg.org · www.newsbytesapp.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The bill requires platforms to provide an opt-out feature for algorithmic recommendations. it-bg.org · www.newsbytesapp.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The government aims to have the bill passed by the end of 2026. it-bg.org · www.newsbytesapp.com · ubrzanje.telegraf.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An eSafety survey found 78% of Australian children aged 10 to 17 had used an AI chatbot. eveningreport.nz