Australians can be assured the nation's consumer laws have their back when using artificial intelligence.
The Review of Artificial Intelligence and the Australian Consumer Law shows that Australians enjoy the same strong consumer protections for artificial intelligence products and services as they do for traditional goods and services, including safety protections.
The Review also highlights opportunities to make the rules clearer through a handful of minor changes, helping businesses better understand their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law. The Government will consult with states and territories on these opportunities and progress the changes when appropriate.
Importantly, the Review also found the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission currently has the tools it needs to manage risks that may emerge from artificial intelligence products and services. The Government will continue to monitor and work with regulators to keep Australians safe as we take up the opportunities of artificial intelligence. The Government has also announced it will legislate a Digital Duty of Care which places the onus on digital platforms to proactively keep Australians safe and better prevent online harms.
This Review complements broader Government action to strengthen protections for consumers and small businesses, including moves to ban unfair trading practices and bolster consumer guarantee rights. These are practical steps to ease cost‑of‑living pressures and ensure Australians get a fair go.
As new technologies such as agentic AI develop, the Government will continue to review the Australian Consumer Law to ensure it is fit‑for‑purpose.
The Review of Artificial Intelligence and the Australian Consumer Law can be accessed on the Treasury website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
"Artificial intelligence should not feel like the wild west. Australians deserve the same consumer protections whether they are buying a toaster, streaming a movie, or using an artificial intelligence app.
"This review shows our consumer laws are strong enough to cover new technology, with only minor tweaks identified. That gives people confidence to try artificial intelligence, knowing the consumer laws still protect them, and it gives honest businesses clarity about how to compete on fair terms."
