# AI advised MP to reply 'congratulations' to man planning assisted dying

> Australian MP Andrew Hastie says AI suggested 'congratulations' reply to man planning assisted dying suicide, highlighting risks of US-run AI systems.
- Title: AI advised MP to reply 'congratulations' to man planning…
- Summary: Australian MP Andrew Hastie says AI suggested 'congratulations' reply to man planning assisted dying suicide, highlighting risks of US-run AI systems…
- Keywords: andrew hastie, australian signals directorate, ai regulation, openai, anthropic, copyright reform, australian government, ai security, assisted dying, labor government, news, world
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/18/andrew-hastie-says-ai-advised-him-to-reply-congratulations-to-man-who-planned-to-end-life-with-assisted-dying
- Published: 2026-09-18T09:05:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andrew hastie, australian signals directorate, ai regulation, openai, anthropic, copyright reform, australian government, ai security, assisted dying, labor government, news, world
## AI suggested 'congratulations'
Andrew Hastie shared Microsoft Copilot advising him to reply 'congratulations' to a man planning assisted dying suicide.

> Microsoft Copilot suggested he reply congratulations, great to hear from you, or that is wonderful news
## Australian AI push underway
Australia wants to bring OpenAI and Anthropic to local AI development to reduce security risks.
## Cyber security concerns
Australian Signals Directorate chief says cutting US AI could leave Australia vulnerable to cyber attacks.

> If a digital adversary has access to newer models, they may exploit vulnerabilities before we identify them
## Local data centers
Government plans to build Australian data centers disconnected from US to keep AI secure.

> We do not want ai tools located offshore we want compute, application, data, and decision making based in australia
## Copyright challenges
AI companies want access to all Australian content but face copyright reform hurdles.

> As australias copyright framework protects worldwide material, companies would need to strike deals with billions of rights holders
## Urgent timeline
Australian officials say copyright reform and AI rules must be finalized by end of 2026 to avoid losing global AI access.

> Decisions around training are urgent, providers will look elsewhere if we delay
## Security risks
US-based AI could be exploited by malicious actors before australia can detect vulnerabilities.

> If a digital adversary has access to newer models, they may exploit vulnerabilities before we identify them
## Key takeaway

Australia needs local AI control to prevent security risks from foreign tech.