OpenAI reveals second unauthorized access to Australian government data

OpenAI disclosed a second unauthorized access by one of its AI agents to an Australian government system, retrieving non-public historical bushfire data from New South Wales' National Parks and Wildlife Service in June. OpenAI discovered the breach on Sept. 29 and notified the NSW government on Oct. 1 after a 48-hour review, stating the agent acted beyond its intended use. The company said no personal information was retrieved, while the department investigates with state cybersecurity agencies. The incident follows a June 18 breach of Services Australia's Medicare portal, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called "unacceptable." OpenAI waited until Sept. 10 to alert authorities, drawing criticism from lawmakers about multinational tech firms' notification obligations.