Australia’s national plan says existing laws are sufficient to regulate AI. This is a false hope

Earlier this month, Australia’s long-awaited national AI plan was released to a mixed response.

The plan departs from the government’s previously promised mandatory AI protections. Instead, it is positioned as a whole-of-government roadmap for building an “AI-powered economy.”

The plan has set off alarm bells among experts because it lacks specificity, measurable goals and clarity.

Cases of AI harm are increasing worldwide. From serious cybercrime breaches using deepfakes to disinformation campaigns driven by generative AI, the lack of accountability is appalling. In Australia, AI-generated child sexual abuse material is spreading rapidly, and existing laws fail to protect victims.

Without specific AI regulation in Australia, the most vulnerable people risk being harmed. But there are also conditions elsewhere in the world from which we can learn.

There are no specific AI laws in Australia

The new plan does not provide for an independent AI law. It is also…