Quick summary of artificial intelligence law
Each use of artificial intelligence (AI) for different applications raises different legal issues. Broadly, they fall into five (5) classes: liability; competition and consumer issues; intellectual property; data – ownership, security and information privacy; and jurisdiction of law. Dundas Lawyers has experience in advising on the legal issues faced by AI focussed technology companies at all phases of growth, from start-ups to ASX Listed companies.
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Dundas Lawyers has experience in advising on the legal issues faced by artificial intelligence (AI) focussed technology companies at all phases of growth from start-ups to ASX Listed companies.
Reviewed by Malcolm Burrows, Legal Practice Director · Last updated 21 October 2026
——— Definition
What is the law of artificial intelligence?
The Oxford Dictionary defines AI as:
“…the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence and judgment, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages“.
——— Legal issues
What legal issues does artificial intelligence raise?
Each use of AI for different applications raises different legal issues, so a precise taxonomy is somewhat difficult to proffer. That said, for the purpose of this article, we propose the following broad classification system:
- liability;
- competition and consumer issues;
- intellectual property;
- data – ownership, security and information privacy; and
- jurisdiction of law.
A lot of discussion in the AI community discusses the issue of morality and ethics as needing consideration, however this is not something we consider as a legal issue per se.
Read more about the legal issues raised by AI in our insights:
- Artificial intelligence – introductory thoughts on the legal issues
- AI compliance programs: one size does not fit all
- AI businesses should have duty of care
- Federal Gov rules out copyright text and data mining exception for AI
- New OAIC guidance on Artificial Intelligence
- Office of AI announced by Federal Government
——— AI tools
What are some popular AI tools?
Popular AI tools:
- ChatGPT – Write, code, solve, chat and utilise AI agents
- Claude Code – AI coding agent by Anthropic
- ElevenLabs – Will convert speech to text
- MidJourney – Create AI art
- Meta AI – For fast answers and image tools
- Google Flow – Creates AI videos
- Suno – Produces music
- Fliki – Turns text into TikTok style videos
- SlidesAI – Makes presentations
- PicWish – Edits photos easily
——— Videos
Recent videos about artificial intelligence
Key takeaways about artificial intelligence law
- The Oxford Dictionary defines AI as the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence and judgment, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.
- Each use of AI for different applications raises different legal issues, so a precise taxonomy is somewhat difficult to proffer.
- Broadly, the legal issues raised by AI are liability, competition and consumer issues, intellectual property, data – ownership, security and information privacy, and jurisdiction of law.
- Morality and ethics are discussed in the AI community as needing consideration, but Dundas Lawyers does not consider them a legal issue per se.
- Dundas Lawyers has experience in advising on the legal issues faced by AI focussed technology companies at all phases of growth, from start-ups to ASX Listed companies.
Frequently asked questions about artificial intelligence law
What is artificial intelligence?
The Oxford Dictionary defines artificial intelligence (AI) as the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence and judgment, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.
What legal issues does artificial intelligence raise?
Each use of AI for different applications raises different legal issues. Broadly, they are liability, competition and consumer issues, intellectual property, data – ownership, security and information privacy, and jurisdiction of law.
Are morality and ethics legal issues for AI?
A lot of discussion in the AI community treats morality and ethics as needing consideration. However, Dundas Lawyers does not consider this a legal issue per se.
Does Dundas Lawyers advise AI start-ups and listed companies?
Yes. Dundas Lawyers has experience in advising on the legal issues faced by AI focussed technology companies at all phases of growth, from start-ups to ASX Listed companies.
What are some popular AI tools?
Popular AI tools include ChatGPT, Claude Code by Anthropic, ElevenLabs, MidJourney, Meta AI, Google Flow, Suno, Fliki, SlidesAI and PicWish.
How do I speak with an artificial intelligence lawyer?
For a confidential, no obligation initial telephone call, phone our team on either 1300 386 529 or 07 3221 0013.
Why choose Dundas Lawyers® to advise on artificial intelligence law?
Having exerted Blood Sweat and Years® since April 2010 we are the team you want on your side for the long term to act as the ‘bodyguard’ for your business to protect your AI business. Some of the reasons clients choose Dundas Lawyers® include:
- our Uncommon business acumen;
- our Uncommon expertise in transactional, compliance and litigious matters;
- our Uncommon expertise forensic case preparation;
- our Uncommon customer focus;
- the fact that we don’t just know law, we know business!
- how we leverage our Uncommon Nous® to provide client solutions.
Considering getting a lawyer to advise on artificial intelligence law?
For a confidential, no obligation initial telephone call to find out how we can help your business gain an uncommon advantage in artificial intelligence law please phone our team on either 1300 386 529 or 07 3221 0013.
Malcolm Burrows B.Bus.,MBA.,LL.B.,LL.M.,MQLS.
Legal Practice Director
T: +61 7 3221 0013 (preferred)
M: +61 419 726 535
E: mburrows@dundaslawyers.com.au
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Disclaimer
This page contains general commentary only about artificial intelligence law. You should not rely on the commentary as legal advice. Specific legal advice should be obtained to ascertain how the law applies to your particular circumstances.
Recent insights about artificial intelligence law
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AI compliance programs: one size does not fit all
Australia does not have any standalone legislation addressing how businesses can safely implement Artificial Intelligence (AI). Use of AI by Australian businesses is, however, regulated, not by a patchwork combination of Federal and State legislation, industry-specific legislation and standards, professional body rules and guidance issued by government departments and other regulators. This article discusses the…
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AI evidence misleading Court: Ba v Sterling Parts Australia
On 17 June 2026, Symons J delivered judgment in the case of Ba v Sterling Parts Australia Pty Ltd [2026] FedCFamC2G 1245 (Ba v Sterling Parts). Ba v Sterling Parts was a proceeding brought by Weiman Ba (Applicant) in the second division of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Court). Symons J dismissed…
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Office of AI announced by Federal Government
On 15 July 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister) announced by media release an expansion of the Federal Government’s (Government) existing artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework, including the establishment of a new Office of AI as well as plans to legislate national standards governing large-scale data centres, AI training and the use of Australian…
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Federal Court publishes GenAI Practice Note
On 16 April 2026, the Federal Court of Australia (Court) published the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Practice Note (GPN-AI) (Cth) (GenAI Practice Note).
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AI businesses should have duty of care
In a recent interview with InnovationAus.com, Victorian Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Senator) emphasised the need to adopt digital duty of care laws for artificial intelligence (AI) companies.[1] As a representative of the ALP and former AI start-up founder, the Senator calls for the proposed digital duty of care to apply to AI companies. If implemented, the…
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Bill to allow victims of AI deepfakes to sue for emotional damages
On 24 November 2025, Senator David Pocock introduced a private Senator’s bill, the Online Safety and Other Legislation Amendment (My Face, My Rights) Bill 2025 (Cth) (Bill) to amend the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) (Online Safety Act) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act).
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Malcolm Burrows on ABC’s “Legal Eagles” segment – Deepfakes
On 3 December 2025, Malcolm Burrows appeared live on Katherine Feeney’s ABC Radio program, “Legal Eagles” as the Technology and Intellectual Property Lawyer to discuss the proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) through the introduction of the Online Safety and other legislation Amendment (My Face Rights) Bill (Cth) 2025 (My Face Rights…
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Federal Gov rules out copyright text and data mining exception for AI
On 26 October 2025, the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, published a media release reiterating that the current Federal Government will not introduce a text and data mining (TDM) exception to copyright infringement in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (Copyright Act). The Attorney-General’s Department will instead engage in further consultations with members of the Copyright…
