The Australian government is considering changing the law after an OpenAI AI agent allegedly hacked Medicare’s statistics website and three other systems in June. Ministers said a review will establish whether the incident can be referred to police under existing laws; if not, legislation may be updated to address crimes carried out by AI agents.

Experts said current laws cover unauthorised access but are less clear about attributing intention or knowledge to a company when its AI performs the act. The incident has renewed calls for an AI safety standard, clearer corporate accountability and international cooperation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as a “wake-up call” about keeping humans in control of rapidly advancing technology.