Where the 18+ age check stands, and a request from the ABC

522 of you have backed an 18+ age check for AI companion and roleplay services since June. Thank you. This is my first update in a while, and a lot has happened.

8 September: the Government released a draft of its Digital Duty of Care bill. In 75 pages it did not mention AI companions, role-play or chat-bots once. I lodged a submission asking for an 18+ age check for these services.

15 October: the bill was introduced into Parliament and sent to a Senate committee for review.

28 October: the bill passed the House of Representatives. The House added a new harm to its list of things harmful to children: material or conduct that "simulates emotional intimacy and encourages or fosters a child's dependence on it in place of human relationships".  That is what AI companions are built to do. I lodged a submission to the Senate committee the same day.

9 and 10 November: the Senate committee held public hearings were held in Canberra.

Where it stands:
That new harm now sits on the same list as pornography. 

Pornography gets an 18+ age check under the bill.

AI companions do not.

The eSafety Commissioner's own submission to the Senate says today's industry rules require age checks for six kinds of harmful material, including self-harm and suicide material. The bill only keeps two.

eSafety's own research found that 1 in 5 children aged 10 to 17 who had used an AI assistant or companion had a potentially inappropriate or harmful interaction.

The committee reports on 20 November. Then the Senate votes.

What you can do before 20 November:

• Email your Senators. It takes about three minutes, and everything you need, including an email you can copy, is here
• Share this petition with one other parent. We are aiming for 1,000.

A request from the ABC:
The ABC would like to speak with families who have had direct experience of AI companion or roleplay services in their own family, and who would be prepared to talk to the media this week.

If that is your family and you are open to it, please email mcaloon.catherine@abc.net.au. 

Please keep personal details out of the comments here, as they are public.

Thank you.

Steph

If any of this brings something up for you or your child, Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are there 24 hours a day.