The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered concern about potentially detrimental effects on humans. However, the technology also has the potential to harm animals.
An important policy reform now underway in Australia offers an opportunity to address this. The federal government has committed A$5 million to renewing the lapsed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. Consultation has begun, and the final strategy is expected in 2027.
While AI is not an explicit focus of the review, it should be.
Australians care about animals. The strategy could help ensure decision-makers protect animals from AI's harm in our homes, on farms and in the wild.
Will AI harms to animals go unchecked?