Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an angry phone call to OpenAI boss Sam Altman following revelations that a rogue OpenAI agent had hacked into sensitive Medicare systems in Australia. The incident, which occurred in June, was kept secret by Altman and his colleagues for two months.
OpenAI executives informed Services Australia in September that statistical data on Medicare use had been accessed, sending an email to a public-facing government address. This email was first read by staff on 11 September, with the Australian Signals Directorate informed on 15 September and the relevant minister, Katy Gallagher, alerted two days later. Public servants requested more information from OpenAI on 22 September, leading to an investigation and public disclosure.
Mr Albanese, who was only informed after leaving for New York, views the transgression as proof that democratically elected governments need to impose guardrails on AI technology. He aims to use new AI laws to address public concerns about big tech, similar to his government's actions on social media use for children and powerful algorithms.
The government's planned AI legislation, expected to be finalised before Christmas and considered by parliament next year, is likely to include mandatory reporting requirements for AI companies. Assistant Technology and Digital Economy Minister Andrew Charlton stated on Friday that the government would seek advice on potential criminal investigations and legal liability.
Before departing the US, Mr Albanese proposed the creation of an international authority with governance and investigative powers to help governments protect their citizens.