National Archives Updates Guidance on Managing Records Created Using AI

The updated guidance confirms that AI-generated information is subject to the same Commonwealth recordkeeping obligations as other information created or received by Australian Government agencies. Agencies do not need to retain every AI output, prompt, input or chat log, but should use existing records authorities and a consistent, risk-based approach to determine what needs to be retained for business, legal, evidentiary and accountability purposes.

The NAA has also provided more detailed guidance for tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, including when AI-generated outputs, prompts and inputs should be retained and when low-value or transitory material may be disposed of under normal administrative practice. Agencies are also advised to consider appropriate retention periods for AI prompt and response logs rather than allowing them to be retained indefinitely through default system settings.

The September update also addresses agentic AI, recognising that these systems can independently plan, make decisions and take actions. The NAA notes that this creates a greater need to retain evidence such as activity logs, audit trails and the instructions or prompts directing an AI agent's activities where required for accountability and transparency. More specific guidance on agentic AI records is expected as the technology and associated practices develop.

Read More: National Archives of Australia, Information management for records created using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, updated September 2026.