Deepfake nudes and stalking cases in Australia are about to face stern measures
In a bold move to protect children from online harm, the Australian government has announced plans to collaborate with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Meta to prevent the use of online tools that can create AI-generated nude images or stalk people.
The decision comes in response to a growing concern over the proliferation of such tools, which have been linked to various forms of abuse impacting children. Pornography scandals at universities and schools worldwide have highlighted the urgent need for action.
One such problematic app, "Nudify," digitally strips clothing off images, and has reportedly been at the centre of sextortion scams targeting children. These scams are said to be surging due to the availability of such apps.
To address this issue, Australia has passed laws restricting children under 16 from social media. The law, announced by Australian Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells in November last year, will come into force by the end of this year. Social media giants face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) if they fail to comply with the social media ban in Australia.
The Australian government has been at the forefront of global efforts to curb Internet harm, particularly that targeted at children. An independent study ordered by the government found that age checking can be done "privately, efficiently and effectively." However, the study also emphasised that "no single solution fits all contexts."
Any new legislation in Australia will aim to ensure that legitimate and consent-based AI and online tracking services are not inadvertently impacted. The onus will be on tech companies to block these apps.
The government's focus is not just on restricting access to "nudify" and stalking apps. A Save the Children survey found that one in five young people in Spain have been victims of deepfake nude images shared online without their consent. The Australian government aims to make tech giants prevent the use of online tools for creating AI-generated nude images.
The government's efforts are not limited to local action. It plans to work with industry to develop new legislation against "abhorrent technologies." This collaboration is a significant step towards ensuring a safer online environment for children and combating the misuse of AI tools.
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