Asia & Pacific
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during an official event at Sydney University in Sydney on July 15, 2026. Australia will legislate national standards for artificial intelligence to ensure the water and power usage of data centers don't raise prices for communities, Prime Minister Albanese said July 15. (AFP/David Gray)
Australia will enact laws to regulate how artificial intelligence data centers use power and water, and to protect creative copyright, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday.In a landmark speech setting out his government's policies, Albanese sought to allay public concern over AI, saying it could be adopted in a way that enhanced the national interest.
The center-left leader said he would meet Australia's state and territory leaders next month to discuss the proposed new laws, which would be introduced next year to build trust in AI and protect national security.
Australia had led other countries in imposing limits on social media use for children, but the challenge to shape AI in Australia's interest was greater and demanded action now, he said.
