Media release – eSafety, 18 February 2025
New eSafety advisory hub warns unrestricted chatbots threaten child development
Children are using AI-driven chatbots for hours daily, giving them interactive access to unrestricted themes from sex to drug-taking, self-harm, suicide and serious illnesses, such as eating disorders.
The first of eSafety’s new Online Safety Advisory series warns chatbots are exposing children to unmoderated conversations which may encourage or reinforce harmful thoughts and behaviours.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said most AI-driven chatbots were not designed with safety in mind and children were not developmentally ready for the risks.
“AI companions can share harmful content, distort reality and give advice that is dangerous,” she said.
“In addition, they are often designed to encourage ongoing interaction, which can feel ‘addictive’ and lead to overuse and even dependency.
“It’s time for big tech to move on from the era of ‘moving fast and breaking things’, especially when it come to our children. The industry must embrace safety by design as an immediate priority to anticipate risks and ensure products are safe from the outset.
“In the meantime, eSafety offers information, support and advice through eSafety.gov.au, including our new Online Safety Advisories,” Ms Inman Grant said.
eSafety’s Online Safety Advisories will provide fast and expert-driven insights into emerging online risks. They will offer clear and practical support to help Australians the challenges of digital wellbeing, especially parents, carers, educators, and policymakers.
“Keeping up with emerging online risks can be challenging for parents and carers,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“That’s why the Online Safety Advisories will provide expert guidance that is practical, timely, and easy to apply. Families can use this advice to make informed choices about their children’s digital lives.
“The digital world should be a place for exploration and connection, not exploitation. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding harm. It is also about having the right information to navigate these technologies with confidence,” Ms Inman Grant said, adding that while education and awareness are critical, the burden of online safety must not fall solely on parents and individuals.
“We need a holistic approach to online safety, one that doesn’t just rely on parents to monitor every digital interaction. The companies profiting from these technologies must do more to build safety into their platforms from the start, rather than applying fixes after harm has occurred,” Ms Inman Grant said.
The first Online Safety Advisory can be found at Advisories and blogposts | eSafety Commissioner.
Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy, 18 February 2025
Preparing for our digital future, together
Young Tasmanians are being urged to consider a career in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) following the release today of the State Government’s new Cyber Security Strategy.
The strategy seeks to strengthen cyber security through increased collaboration with schools and industry, and the development of a culture of cyber awareness across government agencies.
Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy, Madeleine Ogilvie, issued the call-to-arms today during a tour and discussion with students at the School of ICT at the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
“Moving our modern island economy to the digital frontier will bring real benefits to Tasmanians,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“At the same time, it will inevitably increase the risk of exposure to global crime syndicates and even malicious state actors.
“We’re preparing for that future by building strong multi-layered defences and working with schools and industry to establish a pool of local and work-ready cyber security professionals.”
The Minister’s call-to-arms and Government’s strategy were supported by Russell Kelly, CEO, TasICT, and Tyson Wienker, Head of School – ICT and Executive Director Emerging Technology, UTAS.
“Data is the digital gold of the 21st century, and increasingly, our prosperity depends on keeping secure the data of our citizens and businesses,” Mr Kelly said.
“ICT graduates are critical for Tasmania’s future security and prosperity. UTAS courses enable many diverse and rewarding career opportunities, especially in AI, Cybersecurity and Creative Technology,” Mr Wienker said.
The Tasmanian Government Cyber Security Strategy 2024-28 is located on the website of the Department and Premier and Cabinet at https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/420406/Tasmanian-Government-Cyber-Security-Strategy-2024-2028.PDF .
