It is not often that a minister describes the most sweeping power she has ever asked for with the words 'I guess'.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of growing up, with new eSafety research showing almost four in five Australian children aged 10 to 17 have used an AI assistant. While AI assistants are commonly associated with helping people learn, create content and complete tasks, the research shows children are increasingly using these tools to seek advice, reassurance and to discuss sensitive personal issues.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has issued legal notices to Google, Meta, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, Telegram and Reddit requiring each company to report on steps they are taking to protect Australians from terrorist and violent extremist material and activity.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has released its second report under world-leading transparency powers showing some of the biggest tech companies aren’t living up to their responsibilities