Australia plans strict AI law to combat data theft and energy demands

Australia is set to become a global leader in AI regulation with plans for a stringent national law. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government's intention to establish a dedicated AI office and implement nationwide standards for data centers, aiming to control the expansion of artificial intelligence.

The new Office of AI, to be housed within the Prime Minister's and Cabinet departments, will consolidate the government's efforts on AI-related issues spanning education, the labor market, climate and energy, copyright, and defense. This move signals a proactive approach to managing the societal and economic impacts of AI.

Central to the proposed legislation are measures designed to curb data theft and address the substantial energy demands of AI infrastructure. Tech corporations are to be held responsible for contributing to infrastructure costs. Furthermore, the law intends to safeguard artists by preventing the use of their work for AI training without proper compensation, addressing growing concerns within the creative industries about intellectual property and fair use in the age of AI.