An artificial intelligence expert has warned that tech companies are exploiting vulnerable children by using unregulated AI chatbots to collect and potentially compromise their private data.

AI chatbots are computer programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation.

Dr Raffaele Ciriello, from the University of Sydney, has called for these platforms to be better regulated as an increasing amount of adolescents turn to chatbots for therapy, companionship and advice.

The eSafety Commissioner has previously warned that children as young as 10 were accessing this technology, which was putting them at risk of social withdrawal, financial exploitation and exposure to sexualised conversations.

To find out more, Dr Ciriello joined The Daily on 2SER.