Australia moves to ban AI chatbots from simulating emotional intimacy with children

Australia's House of Representatives passed the digital duty of care bill, which would require platforms to protect users from harmful content. An accepted amendment adds a ban on material that simulates emotional intimacy and fosters a child's dependence on a chatbot over human relationships. The bill now heads to the Senate, where the Greens want an external complaints body and private right of action.

• The bill passed the lower house on Wednesday; the government aims to enact it by end of 2026
• Platforms would have to offer an accessible opt-out from algorithmic feeds
• The Greens demand private lawsuits against platforms and an external complaints body
• The Coalition and One Nation opposed the bill, calling it censorship