Australia's Lower House Passes Digital Duty of Care Bill, Putting AI Chatbots Under A$109M Fines

Australia's House of Representatives passed the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill on October 28, extending the duty to AI chatbots with penalties up to A$109.2M. An amendment from MP Kate Chaney bars chatbot design that 'encourages or fosters a child's dependence' on it in place of human relationships; the bill now heads to a Senate where the Coalition and One Nation have signaled opposition.