Australia Flags Near-$50 Million Fines for Unsafe AI Chatbots

The crackdown comes amid growing evidence that AI tools are being widely used by children.

OpenAI's ChatGPT app (Center 2nd R) and icons of other AI apps on a smartphone screen in Oslo, Norway, on July 12, 2023. A common misconception is that AI is a high-level search engine providing information requested by users, like a digital encyclopedia, a lawyer said. Olivier Morin/AFP via Getty Images

New fines of up to $49.5 million are being considered for tech firms behind AI chatbots that fail to meet age-appropriate standards.

The Labor government is weighing up the option after the eSafety Commissioner said chatbots or companion bots were manipulating and exploiting children, even exposing them to inappropriate content.