15 October 2024

Albanese Government opens consultation on review of artificial intelligence and the Australian Consumer Law

The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring consumers can safely enjoy the benefits of new and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Australian consumers and businesses are increasingly accessing services and purchasing goods powered by AI.

As part of the Government’s work to support safe and responsible AI practices we’re releasing a discussion paper on AI and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The discussion paper explores the application of the ACL to AI‑enabled goods and services and is part of the Government’s ongoing work to strengthen existing laws to address risks and harms from AI, alongside possible mandatory guardrails shaping the development and use of AI in high risk settings.

The discussion paper seeks stakeholder views on issues including:

  • the appropriateness of existing consumer protections under the ACL for consumers of AI‑enabled goods and services,
  • the application of existing ACL provisions to new and emerging AI‑enabled goods and services, and
  • remedies for consumers and liability for suppliers and manufacturers of AI‑enabled goods and services where things go wrong.

Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback to the discussion paper by Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Further information regarding the consultation process is available on the Treasury website.