By Fatma Younis
The Australian government's digital duty of care bill passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday, aiming to ban AI chatbots that create "emotional intimacy" with children and impose broader online safety obligations on tech platforms. The legislation now moves to the Senate for debate in coming weeks.
Bill passes lower house, heads to Senate
The digital duty of care bill cleared the lower house with support from the Greens, while the Coalition voted against it alongside One Nation. Labor hopes to pass the bill by the end of 2026, though its path through the upper house remains uncertain. The government accepted amendments from crossbench MP Kate Chaney that add certain AI chatbot activity to the list of harms.
Minister outlines harmful content scope
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the laws would capture content promoting misogyny, terrorism, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders. The framework would apply new online safety standards to social media, games, apps and chatbots, placing an overarching obligation on platforms to provide a safe online environment for all Australians.
Amendments target AI chatbot dependence
Chaney's accepted amendment requires platforms to ban "material or conduct that simulates emotional intimacy and encourages or fosters a child's dependence on it in place of human relationships." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in an emotional address, said stories of children identifying chatbots as their best friend should be a wake-up call for parliament.
Pressure for social media watchdog
Independent MP Sophie Scamps proposed expanding the telecommunications industry ombudsman's remit to act as a watchdog for big tech, allowing users to seek remedies for hacked or inaccessible accounts and enabling "naming and shaming" of companies. Labor did not accept this amendment in the lower house, but the Greens will push for it in Senate negotiations. Telecommunications Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert said her office would be well placed for such a role, funded by the industries regulated.
Senate inquiry and next steps
The Greens have established a Senate inquiry due to report in late November. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for stronger legislation, including the right for Australians to pursue private legal action against platforms and increased penalties. The bill also requires social media platforms to offer an accessible, easy-to-use opt-out feature for algorithmic content.
