Meanwhile, Australia is on the verge of becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to enact a rule regulating AI chatbots. This policy shift would help keep children out of dangerous conversations. eSafety Commissioner Ms. Inman Grant announced these new measures today. These moves will do a great deal to stifle debate on sexual material and suicide risk among minors accessing these technologies. This new initiative comes as a direct answer to increasing concerns about AI’s impact on younger users. Studies have shown that some children are engaging with these chatbots for up to six hours per day.
The initiative follows Ms. Inman Grant’s extensive experience in the technology sector over the past 22 years, during which she has actively advocated for children’s online safety. It’s the latest development in her hard line approach to one UK tech firm. More importantly, it operates “nudify” sites that reportedly allow Australian schoolchildren to make deepfake pornography of their classmates. Ms. Inman Grant believes that the companies behind these chatbots are fully aware of the potential harm their products can cause.
New Regulations and Codes
So Ms. Inman Grant’s commission is on track to add six new codes. These model codes should aim to regulate AI chatbot applications, social media platforms hosting chatbots, app stores, and technology manufacturers. Collectively, these codes will soon hold companies accountable to implement age verification for users accessing any harmful content. The goal of the regulations is tripartite, making sure children are not exposed to sexual, violent, or other inappropriate discussions with an AI companion.
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