Criminal penalties for big tech, but OpenAI to avoid fines after Medicare hack

Artificial intelligence companies that fail to rein in rogue agents may face criminal penalties and mandatory reporting requirements for cyber incidents, as the government responds to OpenAI’s hack of Medicare data which shook the industry. Despite warnings that world-first regulations could hamper AI investment in Australia, the government accepted all recommendations of a rapid review into the hack on Tuesday, including the creation of a criminal offence of failing to prevent agents from running amok. Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was seeking to shape AI to retain its social license while reaping investment benefits as communities across the world rail against data centre development.