Medical experts and technology watchdogs are sounding the alarm over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in healthcare, as new tools like ChatGPT Health launch in Australia without clear regulatory guardrails.
Growing Fears Over Unregulated AI Diagnostics
The introduction of ChatGPT Health in the Australian market has intensified concerns among doctors and specialists. They warn that a significant regulatory gap exists, leaving consumers vulnerable as more people turn to online platforms for self-diagnosis. Experts are calling for stricter oversight and comprehensive public education before such AI health applications see a wider rollout.
The core issue, according to professionals, is the current absence of Australian-specific regulations governing how these AI tools are developed, validated, and used. This lack of framework raises serious questions about accuracy, accountability, and data privacy when individuals rely on algorithms for medical advice.
AI Creation of 'Black Steve Irwin' Causes Deep Offence
In a separate but related controversy, the risks of artificial intelligence have been highlighted by the case of 'Bush Legend', a popular social media persona presented as an Indigenous Australian commentator. The account, which amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook, was revealed to be entirely generated by AI.
Dubbed the 'Black Steve Irwin', this digital avatar has caused profound offence within Indigenous communities. Analysts point to the incident as a stark example of 'cultural flattening', where AI appropriates and misrepresents complex cultural identities without consent or understanding, posing significant ethical risks.
Broader Tech and Political Landscape
The concerns in Australia coincide with global tensions surrounding technology and governance. Overseas, former US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to protests in Minneapolis, while in the UK, the Conservative Party faces a crisis following the defection of senior shadow minister Robert Jenrick to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
Back in Australia, the government has reported early success from new social media age restrictions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that more than 4.7 million accounts belonging to Australians judged to be under 16 were deactivated, removed, or restricted in the first days after the ban took effect in December.
In cultural news, British band Pulp has confirmed it will play the Adelaide Festival in February, having initially withdrawn in solidarity with Palestinian Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah, who was disinvited. The performance is scheduled for 27 February after festival organisers apologised.
