Australia Moves to Ban AI Chatbots That Mimic Human Relationships

The Australian government is moving closer to passing strict new digital safety laws that would significantly change how artificial intelligence and social media platforms operate. Following recent discussions about the risks of modern technology, the federal government is now pushing for a "digital duty of care" bill. This law would require tech companies to take responsibility for creating a safer online environment for all Australians. A major part of this plan includes a ban on AI chatbots that attempt to create "emotional intimacy" with users, particularly children.

According to The Guardian, the proposal was updated recently to include specific rules against technology that encourages a child to rely on an AI for friendship instead of human relationships. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke passionately about this issue, noting that reports of children calling AI chatbots their "best friend" should serve as a wake-up call for the entire country. The government believes that these digital agents can be harmful if they replace real-world social connections, leading to a dangerous dependence on machines.

This legislative push is part of a broader effort to update online safety standards. The proposed laws would replace a variety of existing codes with a single, stronger requirement for platforms to protect users from harmful content. This includes material that promotes serious issues like self-harm, eating disorders, terrorism, and hate speech. Additionally, the bill would require social media companies to provide an easy-to-use "opt-out" feature, allowing users to turn off the algorithms that often control what content they see on their feeds.

However, the path to making these rules official is not simple. While the bill successfully passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday, it still faces a difficult journey in the Senate. The government hopes to have the laws passed by the end of 2026, but support is divided. The Greens party has expressed support for the bill, though they have asked for even stronger measures. For example, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has suggested that Australians should have the right to take legal action against tech companies if they fail to provide a safe experience. She also argued that the public needs an independent way to make complaints, rather than relying on the internal systems of large tech firms.

On the other side of the debate, the Coalition has stated it will not vote for the bill in its current form. Some political opponents have criticized the government’s plan, describing it as an "Orwellian" system of censorship. They argue that the government is trying to control online conversations, a claim that Communications Minister Anika Wells has strongly denied. Wells urged the opposition to work with the government on improvements rather than simply trying to stop the bill entirely.

Independent Member of Parliament Sophie Scamps has also been involved in the discussion, proposing that the telecommunications ombudsman—an official who helps resolve disputes between customers and companies—should be given more power to act as a watchdog for social media and AI. This would provide Australians with an external, neutral body to handle complaints and hold big tech companies accountable for their actions.

As the bill moves to the Senate, the Greens have organized an inquiry to study the potential impact of these laws. This report is expected to be finished by late November. The government remains open to making changes to the bill to win more support, but the core focus remains on protecting the safety of users. The outcome of these debates will likely set a major example for how other countries approach the regulation of AI and social media in the future.

Ultimately, the debate highlights the growing tension between the rapid development of new technologies and the need to protect the well-being of the public. As AI becomes more advanced and capable of mimicking human emotions, lawmakers are struggling to find the right balance between innovation and safety. Whether this bill passes in its current form or is changed through further negotiations, it is clear that the relationship between Australians and their digital tools is entering a new, more regulated era.