Albanese Urges US and China to Regulate AI

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging the United States and China to establish a global regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, comparing the need for cooperation to the 1970 nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Speaking from Cupertino, California, Albanese announced that Australia will introduce national AI standards by the end of the year to ensure humans remain in control of the technology. He also defended Australian copyright laws, stating that AI companies must not use creative works without artist control and proper monetization.

While tech leaders from Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX have called for a coordinated slowdown in AI development to prevent catastrophic loss of control, U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected such deceleration. Trump characterized AI extinction fears as a hoax and announced the creation of an AI Force to maintain American leadership, arguing that slowing down would benefit China. The Government of China has similarly rejected calls for a slowdown, labeling them as fearmongering and a bid to lock in U.S. advantages.

During a visit to Apple headquarters, Albanese met with CEO Tim Cook to discuss strengthening online safety laws and implementing parental controls to protect children. These efforts coincide with proposed Australian legislation that would impose a duty of care on social media platforms. Albanese intends to further advocate for AI guardrails and a de-escalation of the war with Iran during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leveraging Australia's digital safety leadership to support a bid for a UN Security Council seat for 2029-30.