Australia seeks tech companies' help in regulating AI

Albanese said this on Sunday after a meeting with former Apple chief executive Tim Cook in California. He said Australia cannot do the job alone to protect children from online risks. Technology companies must also take responsibility in this regard.

In a post on social media, Albanese said he discussed with Cook what steps are currently being taken and what needs to be done in the future to protect children from online harm. Cook also said he informed Albanese about Apple's new powerful and easy-to-use controls to keep children safe online.

Australia last year enforced a ban on the use of social media by people under 16. The move, taken to prevent online harassment of children and the use of harmful algorithms targeting them, is being seen as one of the world's strictest initiatives.

A recently published draft law has proposed imposing on companies operating platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram the duty to take care of users' safety. It also proposes giving users the option to turn off platform algorithms as they wish.

However, despite the ban, the use of social media such as Instagram and TikTok among Australians under 16 has increased, according to recent data. The draft law is scheduled to be presented to Parliament at the end of the year after discussions with relevant companies, industry organizations, and civil society.

Albanese, who is on a visit to the United States to attend the UN General Assembly session, also spoke of tough measures to regulate AI. Announcing plans to introduce new standards or regulations for the use of AI by the end of the year, he said there is a risk that AI could develop in such a way that human control over what it creates may diminish.

Albanese's question is how to ensure that control over AI remains in human hands and that technology does not become the controller of humans.