Australia Takes Bold Stance Against Deepfake and Stalking Apps
Tech Platforms Held Accountable for Emerging Online Harms
Australia is stepping up its efforts to protect digital safety by launching new measures aimed at banning applications that facilitate AI-generated nude imagery and undetectable online stalking. Under the latest reforms unveiled by the federal government, major tech platforms will be tasked with preventing access to these harmful “nudify” and stalking tools.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells emphasized the urgency of the initiative: these so-called abusive technologies are not only widespread but also cause lasting harm. She stressed the importance of proactive industry collaboration to halt their proliferation while safeguarding legitimate, consent-based AI and tracking technologies.
The AI Threat: Deepfakes Without Consent
The surge in AI-driven tools capable of crafting realistic nude images has raised alarms about privacy violations and image-based abuse. For instance, a survey conducted among teenagers by advocacy group Thorn found that 10% knew someone who had deepfake nude images created of them, and 6% were direct victims themselves.
Building on Australia’s Digital Safety Momentum
This new push builds on Australia’s broader online safety agenda, which already includes a world-first ban on social media usage for under-16s. Set to come into effect by year’s end, this ban allows for hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million for platforms that fail to prevent minors from accessing their services.
Why This Matters: Key Takeaways
- Increased Digital Accountability
The reforms shift responsibility to tech companies to monitor and restrict access to harmful applications, marking a pivotal shift in how online threats are regulated.
- Targeting New Forms of Abuse
By focusing on “nudify” apps and advanced stalking tools, Australia is addressing a dangerous and often overlooked dimension of AI misuse.
Child Protection and Beyond
This effort complements existing frameworks, such as the under-16 social media ban, reinforcing a comprehensive, layered approach to online safety.
