UNICEF Australia welcomes establishment of an AI Safety Institute 

Acknowledging calls from UNICEF Australia and other organisations to help protect children from emerging AI risks, UNICEF Australia welcomes the Government’s announcement today of a new AI Safety Institute. The organisation will identify risks and advise on AI harms, to help ensure Australians can use AI safely and responsibly.

"The announcement of this new institute is a critical step to protect children from emerging AI risks, while still harnessing the technology’s benefits," UNICEF Australia’s Head of Digital Policy, John Livingstone, said.

“We have been urging the Government to establish dedicated AI safety capability in Australia with children at its heart. This new institute is a strong step in the right direction to help make sure AI is designed and deployed in ways that keep young people safe from online harms such as deepfakes and nudification apps,” said Mr Livingstone. 

“Children are early adopters of new tech, but they’re also uniquely vulnerable to its downsides. An expert hub that can assess risk and guide safeguards should give families confidence and help Australia lead on responsible child‑centred AI.

"The new institute should work closely with the eSafety Commissioner, Privacy Commissioner, law enforcement, academics and child-rights organisations, as well as international AI safety bodies, to ensure its work is guided by evidence and fit‑for‑purpose for children and young people.

“UNICEF Australia stands ready to contribute the latest evidence, child‑rights expertise, practical recommendations, and the direct insights of young people to the institute, to help make Australia the safest place in the world for children to be online,” Mr Livingstone said.

For more information on how AI is impacting Australian children, see UNICEF Australia’s recent paper Algorithmic Kids