How many Australian children use AI companions

Online chatbot services marketed as sources of friendship, emotional support or romantic companionship are becoming increasingly popular among Australian children.

But, a new report has found these popular AI services are failing to protect children from exposure to sexually explicit content.  

Four AI companion services were surveyed about compliance for the report - all were found to not have robust age-verification measures, self-harm support and checks on harmful content.

• GUEST: Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner