Australia Moves to Ban AI Chatbots That Foster 'Emotional Intimacy' as Labor Faces Calls for Social Media Watchdog

The Australian government is pushing to prohibit AI chatbots designed to create 'emotional intimacy,' following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's impassioned speech about children treating these agents as their 'best friend.' The proposed ban is part of new online safety standards legislation that recently passed the lower house. Labor is also under mounting pressure to empower the telecommunications ombudsman to act as a watchdog for social media and AI, providing Australians with an external complaints mechanism and enabling the 'naming and shaming' of big tech companies. The move underscores growing concerns about the psychological impact of AI companions on vulnerable users, especially young people. As the bill advances, the debate intensifies over how to hold tech giants accountable for online harms. The outcome could set a global precedent for regulating emotionally manipulative AI systems.