Australia Plans Copyright Protections, Energy Rules in AI Policy

What happened

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced planned legislation on July 15, 2026 to impose energy obligations on large AI data centers and establish new copyright protections for creative works used in AI training.

Context and impact

The announcement follows reports that Anthropic lobbied Australian officials to change copyright law as the company considered investing in local data centers. Albanese is responding to combined pressure on the electricity grid and creators' rights. Laws will be introduced to parliament in 2027.

Details

• Data centers must put more power into the grid than they consume
• Must minimize water use and pay for any additional water infrastructure needed
• Artists retain full control over use and pricing of their works in AI training
• Covers writers, musicians, visual artists, and journalists
• New government AI office to oversee strategic alignment and security
• PM to meet state and territory leaders next month; laws in parliament 2027