[REVISION HISTORY]

Australian digital and technology regulation

19 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-28 10:35 UTC → 2026-10-28 13:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Australian government continues to pursue new regulatory frameworks for the digital and technology sectors. In September 2026, the federal government introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026, which includes the ‘My Feed, My Way’ initiative. This sparked concerns from the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (Cosboa), which warned that algorithm reforms must not inadvertently harm small businesses that rely on social media for visibility. During this period, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook to discuss global cooperation on online safety. Albanese noted that Australia ‘can’t do it alone’ in protecting children from internet harms. Cook described Australia’s social media regulations, including the ban on social media use for children under 16, as ‘world-leading.’ Simultaneously, debates intensified over AI copyright reforms. The government considered allowing AI companies to use local content for training unless rights holders opt out. OpenAI warned it might withdraw investment in Australian training centres if restrictions are not relaxed, while critics and artists accused the government of ‘throwing creators under the bus.’ ~~In late September 2026, UK campaigners urged the Australian government to ensure AI firms pay for content.~~ By late October 2026, a coalition of 63 international media organizations, led by the News/Media Alliance, petitioned politicians to reject these copyright ~~amendments. The group argued the changes~~ amendments, arguing they would force rights holders to ‘effectively forfeit their ~~protections’ and could set a ‘dangerous global precedent.’~~ protections.’ Regarding online safety, the Digital Duty of Care Bill progressed through the House of Representatives. ~~The legislation aims~~ On October 26, 2026, the House passed the bill, which now moves to ~~prohibit~~ the Senate. Following amendments by independent MP Kate Chaney, the legislation prohibits AI chatbots from simulating emotional intimacy with children ~~to prevent emotional dependence.~~ or encouraging reliance on AI over human relationships. The bill ~~proposes a legal obligation for~~ also mandates that platforms provide a visible option to ~~ensure user safety, with potential penalties for violations reaching approximately $109.2 million.~~ opt out of algorithmic content recommendations and targets content promoting terrorism, misogyny, and self-harm.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.